“The delivery of healthcare services, where distance is a critical factor, by all healthcare professionals using information and communication technologies for the exchange of valid information for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and injuries, research and evaluation, and for the continuing education of healthcare providers, all in the interests of advancing the health of individuals and their communities”- The World Health Organization on Telemedicine.

Telemedicine is healing by distance or healing by wire ” – Times Magazine.

In pediatrics, telemedicine functions with parent-doctor audio/visual communication and image sharing. This method of treatment has increased considerably in recent years. It has increased access to healthcare with better management of sickness due to continuous monitoring of health conditions. With that being said, it is undeniable that in-patient visits are better for children and telemedicine can be used for follow-up, to monitor the progress, and to ensure healthcare is uninterrupted. It should be understood that it is to be used along with in-patient visits only and not a stand-alone mode of treatment.

Pediatricians can examine children through monitors and make a call as to if an in-patient visit is needed or not. In case of emergencies, pediatric specialists can examine children who are far away and have no access to pediatric specialties. For pediatric telemedicine to function optimally, it is important for parents and doctors to work together and decide the right time for an in-patient visit.