As telehealth services expand, proper telemedicine hardware is becoming a critical component of the medical field. To deliver safe, secure medical care, both patients and providers must meet minimum system requirements. Here are eight popular telemedicine hardware components you should consider.
8 Top Telemedicine Hardware Components That Improve Remote Care
While individual requirements will vary, these eight hardware advances are essential to most telemedicine visits.
1. Telemedicine Hardware Video Devices
Video devices necessary for telemedicine include high-definition webcams, peripheral cameras, and other video-conferencing visual units. Video devices have come a long way from their initial development. Today, webcams can capture facial expressions and medical details when they are in high definition. This allows medical professionals the up-close look that they need to provide accurate diagnostics. For instance, video devices capture:
- Skin discoloration
- Swelling
- Mobility issues
Adequate video devices are also critical to maintaining doctor-patient confidentiality by allowing both sides to see their audience. Additionally, video devices must use encrypted communication channels that meet HIPAA, GDPR, and other patient privacy standards.
2. Display Devices
Display devices show the images captured by video devices. Display devices for telemedicine include:
- Desktops
- Laptops
- Projection screens
- Smart boards
- Tablets
- Televisions
Computers and tablets account for the majority of the hardware requirements in this industry. Both doctors and patients must have one of these devices to communicate visually during remote visits. With these devices, patients in rural areas or areas with limited access to healthcare can speak with a doctor from the comfort of their homes.
Benefits of Display Devices in Telemedicine
With these devices, individuals who have limited access to transportation or require specialized care that requires lengthy travel can meet with their doctors without worrying about getting to the office. Display aids, such as visual aids for the hearing impaired, make telemedicine available to individuals who would otherwise not have access to this option.
Display devices are beneficial for telemedicine because they enable the patient and provider to view each other in real-time, mimicking an in-person visit. They also allow doctors to view patients’ visible symptoms, such as skin discoloration, swelling, and wounds.
3. High-Speed Network
The best telemedicine hardware any healthcare facility can request is a reliable, high-speed network. Internet connections must have enough bandwidth to support video calls. This connection must be reliable and secure to ensure that video appointments meet the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, General Data Protection Regulation, and other patient privacy standards.
Any internet connection should be able to support video calls without buffering or freezing. It must also be able to handle video calls that include multiple parties beyond the general practitioner and the patient. Typical tasks that will be carried out over this connection that demand security include:
- Scheduling
- Authorizing prescriptions
- Creating and updating treatment plans
- Sharing images
- Symptom tracking
Medical provider networks should always use premium hardware, peripherals, and cabling to ensure fast, reliable, and secure data transfer. Fiber patch cables are an excellent way to connect components while leaving flexibility for future expansion as telehealth hardware demands increase.
4. Audio Devices
Telemedicine requires high-definition audio devices, such as microphones or headphones with an attached microphone. These devices are critical for communication.
Ensuring the devices are high-definition means that patients will not miss a word their doctor says, so they can follow instructions seamlessly. It also makes it easier for doctors to hear everything their patients say, which makes diagnostics more accurate. Audio devices can also ensure that doctors hear any symptoms their patients have.
5. Digital Medical Peripherals
Other helpful telemedicine hardware requirements are mobile medical devices, such as blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, digital medical scopes, and pulse oximeters. When patients have these in their homes, medical professionals can conduct examinations more easily and provide accurate diagnostics.
Many patients can use digital medical devices to record stats during a telehealth visit. These devices allow healthcare providers to bring high-tech equipment to patients in rural or remote areas and those without access to transportation. In this way, they are helping to change the face of telemedicine to be useful for more complex diagnostic processes.
6. Wearables/Mobile Health Devices
Mobile health devices include wearable fitness devices, remote vital monitoring, electronic pill dispensers, symptom trackers, and other devices for monitoring health or communicating with healthcare professionals. These devices make it easier for patients to collect their health data and transmit it to their physicians. They also help patients monitor their health, track symptoms, and access remote resources.
Wearable devices have enabled doctors to detect irregular heartbeats, identify ear infections, and quickly check vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, and oxygen levels. This enhances the diagnostic process and ensures an accurate diagnosis.
7. Telehealth Hardware Carts
A telehealth hardware cart can be a helpful device for hospitals. These mobile workstations, often mounted on wheels, contain all the necessary items for practitioners to conduct a virtual visit.
Common components on telehealth hardware carts include high-quality cameras, microphones, speakers, and other videoconferencing equipment. Some carts also integrate medical diagnostic equipment, such as digital stethoscopes or blood pressure monitors, to facilitate remote patient monitoring.
8. Secure Data Infrastructure
Medical facilities must have a data center or cloud-based data storage solution that enables them to adhere to health industry privacy standards. These standards include HIPAA, the GDPR, and any other patient privacy standards enforced in a specific area. These facilities are important so doctors and patients can store their medical information with confidence. Patients can upload images or other items that their providers might request for a later review without worrying about them getting stolen.
Advantages of Integrating Technology in Telemedicine
All telehealth requires basic technology, such as an internet connection and communication devices. However, integrating more advanced technology, such as comprehensive telehealth hardware carts, digital medical devices, and wearables, allows providers to expand their services and reach. This improves care for formerly marginalized patients and overall health outcomes.
Explore Tier One Networking Components for Telemedicine
Telemedicine hardware includes all the physical aspects that allow doctors to connect with patients. At Equal Optics, we provide premium networking solutions that keep providers and patients connected. Contact us to request a customized healthcare networking consultation.
