Telemedicine, a term coined in the 1970s, which literally means “healing at a distance”, signifies
the use of ICT to improve patient outcomes by increasing access to care and medical information. Recognizing that there is no one definitive definition of telemedicine – a 2007 study found
104 peer-reviewed definitions of the word, – the World Health Organization has adopted the
following broad description:
INTRODUCTION: OVERVIEW OF TELEMEDICINE
“The delivery of health care services, where distance is a critical factor, by all health care professionals using information and communication technologies for the exchange of valid information
for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease and injuries, research and evaluation, and for
the continuing education of health care providers, all in the interests of advancing the health of
individuals and their communities”.
The many definitions highlight that telemedicine is an open and constantly evolving science,
as it incorporates new advancements in technology and responds and adapts to the changing
health needs and contexts of societies.
Some distinguish telemedicine from telehealth with the former restricted to service delivery by
physicians only, and the latter signifying services provided by health professionals in general,
including nurses, pharmacists, and others. However, for the purpose of this report, telemedicine
and telehealth are synonymous and used interchangeably.

Four elements are germane to telemedicine:
1. Its purpose is to provide clinical support.
2. It is intended to overcome geographical barriers, connecting users who are not in the
same physical location.
3. It involves the use of various types of ICT.
4. Its goal is to improve health outcomes.