Defining “telemedicine services” in the context of large-scale digitalization

Abstract

The authors analyze the definitions of "telemedicine service" presented in domestic and foreign scientific publications, as well as on the official resources of various departments and healthcare organizations. It is revealed that there is a lack of research on this topic and the concept under study has a controversial nature. The authors carry out comprehensive testing of "telemedicine service" definition, adopted by the World Health Organization, for compliance with digitalization trends. In the course of the research, the incompleteness of the definition generally accepted at the international level was revealed. The authors propose their own interpretation of the "telemedicine service" concept, implying an individualized approach, the use of information and communication technologies in order to increase public health. There are also considered factors affecting the choice of this method of providing medical services, and determining the goals of application, including prevention, identification of causes, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.