TELEHEALTH CONSUMER-PROVIDER INTERACTION

As we move through the first decade of a new century, a global health care crisis threatens the future. Non-communicable or chronic illness including cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes are leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The pandemic, termed a silent epidemic, is a by-product of cultural transformation and disengagement of individual responsibility. Technology, arguably one of the contributing elements to the escalation of social disease, can be a driver to improve health education, health promotion and clinical care. Effective health care for a chronic condition requires a model of ongoing health education and close communication between the individual and the provider. Culturally sensitive health education including support and reinforcement is accomplished via telecommunication channels. The channels also provide a cost-effective mechanism to convey clinical variables such as blood glucose, insulin administration, weight and blood pressure. Ongoing transfer of clinical information allows for timely intervention and improved medical control.