An Analysis of Telemedicine Experiences and Services in Chile

Abstract

Applications based on telemedicine have been progressively increasing, and Chile is not the exception. After a set of isolated projects and government programs, a National Telehealth Program has been defined in the country. The content of this chapter intends to make a contribution to know the current situation of the country in this area. The author explains the main reasons why there is inequity, and geographic and demographic conditions that drive the need for this type of telemedical applications to grant and improve the health care of the population are explained. The chapter includes a brief theoretical conceptual summary with the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages that telemedicine incorporates. Also, he presents the results of some of his investigations. Finally, the foundations and lines of action of the new Telehealth program that has been launched in the country are presented.