Ultrasound in Telemedicine: A Brief Overview

The delivery of healthcare from a distance, also known as telemedicine, has evolved over the past 50 years, changing the way healthcare is delivered globally. Its integration into numerous domains has permitted high-quality care that transcends the obstacles of geographic distance, lack of access to health care providers, and cost. Ultrasound is an effective diagnostic tool and its application within telemedicine has advanced substantially in recent years, particularly in high-income settings and low-resource areas. The literature in Pubmed from 1960-2020 was assessed with the keywords ultrasound, telemedicine, ultrasound remote, and tele-ultrasound to conduct a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats). In addressing strengths and opportunities, we emphasized practical aspects, such as the usefulness of tele-ultrasound and the cost efficiency of it. Furthermore, aspects of medical education in tele-ultrasound were considered. When it came to weaknesses and threats, we focused on issues that may not be solved immediately, and that require careful consideration or further development, such as new software that is not yet available commercially.

Automated summary

Telemedicine, also known as the delivery of healthcare from a distance, has revolutionized the global healthcare delivery system over the past 50 years, overcoming geographical barriers, lack of healthcare providers, and cost issues. In recent years, ultrasound has achieved significant advancements in telemedicine, especially in high-income settings and low-resource areas. This study conducted a SWOT analysis on ultrasound telemedicine based on literature from Pubmed, focusing on its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The findings emphasize the practicality and cost efficiency of tele-ultrasound, as well as its impact on medical education. However, challenges such as the availability of new software commercially still need further consideration.