Subject areas

Current Topics in Telemedicine

Here you will find an overview of the most important topics currently dealing with health telematics/eHealth.

1. Telemedical consultation and diagnostics

• Video consultations: direct contact between doctor and patient.
• Teleconsultations: doctor-to-doctor communication.
• Teledermatology: Diagnosis of skin diseases via photo or video.
• Teleradiology: Diagnosis of X-ray images by external radiologists.
• Telecardiology: diagnosis and monitoring of heart diseases.

2. Telemonitoring and specialized programs

• Telemonitoring: monitoring of chronic diseases and postoperative control.
• Specialized programs: tele-oncology, tele-neurology, telepediatrics.
• Teleintensive medicine: supporting rural hospitals and intensive care.

3. Telemedical therapy and prevention

• Telepsychotherapy: psychological treatments via video.
• Physiotherapy: instruction and supervision of exercises.
• Tele-coaching: preventive measures (nutritional or sports advice).
• Telemedical medication adjustment: e.g. for diabetes or epilepsy.

4. Digital health solutions and infrastructure

• Digital health applications (DiGA): Apps for diagnostics, therapy, prevention.
• e-prescription and eAU: Electronic transmission of prescriptions and certificates.
• Interoperability: Standards such as HL7 FHIR, IHE.
• Telematics infrastructure (TI): Platforms for secure data transmission.

5. Data Protection, Law and Administration

• Data protection: Compliance with the GDPR and legal requirements.
• Reimbursement: Reimbursement regulations by health insurance companies.
• Networking: Integration between outpatient and inpatient care.
• Appointment and resource management: digital appointment scheduling and capacity planning.

6. Research and Innovation

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Automated diagnostics and personalized therapy.
• Robotics: telesurgery, nursing and telepresence robots.
• 3D printing: individual implants and drug production.
• Big Data: Data analysis for prevention and personalized medicine.
• Wearables and IoT: real-time monitoring through smart sensors.
• Virtual Reality (VR): Simulations for training and therapy.
• Augmented Reality (AR): surgical planning and movement rehabilitation.
• Telesurgery: precise interventions using remote-controlled robotic systems.
• Genomics: precision medicine and genetic therapeutic approaches.
• Blockchain: Secure and transparent data management.
• Digital twins: virtual patient models for diagnostics and therapy.

7. International and Rural Telemedicine

• Cross-border care: cooperation across national borders.
• Telemedicine in developing countries: improving infrastructure.
• Mobile diagnostics: care in remote areas.
• Digital consultation hours: a solution to the shortage of doctors in rural areas.