Use of telemedicine-based care for the aging and elderly: promises and pitfalls

Figures & data

Figure 1 Scheme of a home telecare system.

Abbreviations: app, application; ECG, electrocardiogram; GSM, Global System for Mobile communications; SMS, short message service; SpO2, oxygen saturation.

Table 1 Benefits and barriers for implementing telecare in the elderly

Benefits	Barriers
Easy and fast access to diagnostics and specialized medical services	Resistance to use of new information technologies
Remote access to test results	Lack the ability to use a computer and mobile phone
Constant access to personal health records	High cost of purchase of necessary computer equipment and other ICT tools
Reducing number of hospitalizations and emergency calls	Lack of knowledge and awareness of availability of telecare systems for the elderly
Shorter hospital stay by providing part of the services through telemedicine system	Strong need for direct contact with the doctor and other health professionals
Smooth and rapid help in emergency cases	Age-related cognitive decline impeding use of telecare systems
No need to commute to medical centers, saving time and money	Stigmatization of telemonitoring tools
Feeling of security and stay in a friendly home environment	Fear of loss of privacy and security of transmitted data
Feeling of independence being under constant medical supervision	Lack of legal regulations
Greater awareness of health state and the active participation in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease	Lack of reimbursement by health care providers
Improvement of quality of life and care
Decreasing burden of caring on disabled people
Educational benefits, easy access to medical information

Abbreviation: ICT, information and communication technology.