Boundless Smart Telehealth

Since 2021, telemedicine services have been promoted at the Dili Outpatient Clinic in Xinyi Township, Nantou County. Portable diagnostic equipment for ophthalmology, dermatology, and otolaryngology has been installed, and local internet bandwidth has been upgraded to improve access to healthcare. Through round-the-clock remote consultation services, specialist physicians in urban areas can connect in real time with local medical personnel using digital technology to provide consultations in ENT, dermatology, and ophthalmology. This enables residents in remote areas to receive timely and professional medical assistance, reduces the burden of long-distance travel and waiting times for medical care, and enhances the overall quality of healthcare services.
 

Achievements

• Enhancing Healthcare Services in Remote Areas：Telemedicine technologies enable more efficient utilization of medical resources in rural and remote regions, thereby improving the overall quality of healthcare services and increasing patient satisfaction.
• Reducing Travel Time for Medical Care：Patients in remote areas often need to travel long distances to receive medical attention. With telemedicine, consultation times can be significantly shortened, offering greater convenience to patients.
• Lowering Medical Expenses：By leveraging telemedicine, patients can avoid unnecessary transportation and accommodation costs, as well as reduce the time lost due to long waiting periods.
• Improving Utilization of Medical Resources：Telemedicine allows urban healthcare resources to be extended to underserved rural areas, reducing the waste of medical capacity and narrowing the healthcare access gap between regions.
   

Monitor 

Patient Safety Issues and Failure Prevention Measures

(1) Patient Safety Issues: 

• Equipment and System Security：Encryption and security mechanisms must be in place to protect the confidentiality of patient and physician information.
• Physician Competence and Responsibility：Physicians must possess adequate telemedicine skills and assume full responsibility for their diagnoses.
• Assessment of Patient Conditions：As physical examinations cannot be conducted, physicians must determine whether telemedicine is appropriate based on the patient's condition.
• Follow-up and Tracking Mechanisms：A robust follow-up system should be established to ensure continuity and effectiveness of treatment.

(2) Failure Prevention Measures: 

• Emergency Response Plans：Contingency plans should include emergency contact and referral mechanisms to handle failed consultations.
• Equipment Checks and Monitoring：Prior to each session, video, audio, and network functions must be verified; system operations should also be monitored during consultations.
• Technical Support and Staff Training：Real-time technical support mechanisms should be established, along with training for medical personnel in equipment use and emergency response.
• Quality Monitoring and Evaluation：Regular reviews of equipment performance, staff proficiency, and patient satisfaction should be conducted to continuously improve service quality.

Contact Window 

Department of Community and Family Medicine
04-22052121 ext. 12661
030690@tool.caaumed.org.tw