Global Telemedicine and eHealth (A synopsis)

The presentation uses as a baseline the importance of Telemedicine and eHealth for the optimization of all possible levels of existing healthcare systems and for the development of efficient, timely, optimal, patient-centric healthcare worldwide. The paper is focused on global aspects of Telemedicine and eHealth adoption such as successful practices and cost effectiveness and is also focused on obstacles for worldwide implementation of telemedicine. The importance of improved and continuous international cooperation and coordination is also emphasized. Attention is dedicated to the necessity always to be aware about what is globally going on trough international networking initiatives such as the International Society for Telemedicine and eHealth (ISfTeH, www.isft.net) and Med-e-Tel (The International eHealth, Telemedicine and Health ICT Forum for Education, Networking and Business, www.medetel.eu). The global overview of Telemedicine and eHealth development supports professionals in influencing local policy when the role of telemedicine/eHealth in the health care sector is concerned; building public awareness about eHealth and its potentials; building multi-stakeholder consensus on principles, policies, and strategies related to effective eHealth implementation.