[Implementing Telemedicine, EHealth and Telephonic Nursing Assistance in Spain].

Abstract

Introduction: Tele-Health or eHealth are defined as diversified health services provided remotely by a team of professionals using ICT (Information and Communication Technology) to improve the health of a user or population.

Development: The development of ICT during the 2000 and 2010 decades allowed for a wider applicability of these services. Techniques like teleradiology and telepathology appeared. Tele-nursing began to be practiced through teleconsultations. Tele-nursing emerged from consulting telephone nurses in the United Kingdom and Canada. In 2005, the WHO established the Global eHealth Observatory to review the benefits of ICT. Currently in Spain, 061 Cat Salut Respon, managed by nurses, gives coverage to Catalonia through its website, telephone, email or chat. In Andalusia, Salud Responde is a service and information center providing citizens with remote healthcare.

Conclusions: Health systems offer services through multichannel schemes and specific applications (apps) improving accessibility anytime, anywhere, provided with internet connection. The involvement of nurses in eHealth programs, such as telenurses, is increasingly spreading in Spain, mirroring the trend at an international level.