BTS statement urges caution on telemedicine saying proven 'low tech' interventions such as PR may be better
The British Thoracic Society has issued a position statement on Telemedicine, urging significant caution and suggesting that proven interventions - such as Pulmonary Rehabilitation - may be much better.
The position statement, issued in January 2011, follows a year-long review by a British Thoracic Society (BTS) expert group which was then endorsed by the BTS Executive.
The two-page position statement contains 8 detailed recommendations about the controls and preparation needed if telemedicine projects are to be successful.
The statement adds:
Trustees are also of the view that it would be extremely unfortunate if investment in telemedicine is made and schemes developed at the expense of more “low-tech” interventions that are proven to be effective (in particular, Pulmonary Rehabilitation programmes).
> Read the BTS Position Statement on Technology and the provision of Respiratory Care
> Read the full BTS Expert Report on Technology and Respiratory Health