Does telemedicine have a role to play in disease management?

Telemedicine and disease management are relatively new concepts in healthcare delivery. Disease management focuses on the patient throughout the entire course of the disease, and aims to improve both the clinical outcomes for the patient and the overall cost effectiveness of the treatment regimen by adopting a 'team approach' to patient care. Telemedicine enables effective communication, encourages efficient use of resources and ultimately enhances clinical outcomes by permitting access to new information, specialist expertise and knowledge within the continuum of healthcare delivery. The components of a disease management programme are discussed within a telemedicine context. Clearly telemedicine has an important role to play in any disease management programme as it facilitates effective communication throughout the process of healthcare delivery.