The novelty of telemedicine technology and its applications make it difficult to estimate its long-ranging effects on the practice of medicine. Telemedicine can improve access to care and lower costs, notes a perspective in the April 30, 2015, New England Journal of Medicine; however, its effectiveness depends on the skill of those using it, regulation cannot predict the capabilities of the technology and cannot keep pace with its demands, the consequences of telemedicine are unknown because it is a relatively new practice, and finally, posits the author, telemedicine changes the physician-patient relationship in unknown ways. The author states a desire for research addressing telemedicine's effects on patient-centered care and efficiency, to ensure the quality of the care given via the expanding technology. A study of the data in the PIAA Data Sharing Project found that there are currently few claims involving telemedicine in the database; significant factors among the claims present include diagnostic error, medication error, and failure to properly respond. The study recommends that healthcare organizations review telemedicine policies and procedures with their insurer—specifically, this review should include network security, webcam and web portal protocols, privacy concerns, and communication practices.

HRC Recommends: As with the implementation of any new technology, organizations should review the intended goals of using the technology, the process of using the technology (e.g., how it fits into or supplants current workflows), and the potential risks and benefits of using the technology. A multidisciplinary committee can lead this review—for example, the committee can perform a failure mode and effects analysis to prepare for unanticipated risks. Telemedicine, when used well, can improve the communication between a practitioner and his or her patients; however, if it is used without care, communication can become muddled or erroneous.