ABSTRACT
The year 2020 could signal the beginning of an intriguing decade for telemedicine, especially when coupled with the growth and development of a number of cutting-edge technologies, such as 5G networks, artificial intelligence, the internet of things (IoT), robotics and big data analytics, which can be easily applied to address specific significant clinical issues. High-tech medical and technologically sophisticated specialty care are made possible through telemedicine. From wearable IoT devices securely recording and communicating patient data remotely to real-time consultation and diagnostics supported by machine learning, a galaxy of new and emerging advanced technologies are bringing a revolution in healthcare. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven technologies (DDT) are integrated with telemedicine to provide support and promote long-distance clinical healthcare and the medical education of clinical professionals and also assist in the maintenance of public health and its administration. Globally, physicians use telemedicine and mobile health applications for video consultations and remote digital imaging transmissions that indirectly assist in the patient monitoring and assessment of the body vital statistics.
The primary purpose of this chapter is to identify and narrate the role of AI and DDT in making healthcare services accessible in rural or remote locations. It would focus on the evolution and functioning of telemedicine services, as well as recognizing the major challenges associated with its application. The chapter also emphasizes the future drivers and future prospects of telemedicine in India, and how can we ensure its better adoption w.r.t. the Indian healthcare sector. Further, a strategic thinking HAT model would be developed to illustrate the successful telemedicine implementation in India.
