Informed Consent of Services Performed by Virtual Physical Therapists.
Telemedicine involves the use of electronic communications to enable healthcare providers at different locations to share individual patient medical information for the purpose of improving patient care. The information may be used for diagnosis, therapy, follow-up and/or education, and may include any of the following: Patient medical records/ images,Live two-way audio and video and Output data from medical devices and sound and video files.
Electronic systems used will incorporate network and software security protocols to protect the confidentiality of patient identification and imaging data and will include measures to safeguard the data and to ensure its integrity against intentional or unintentional corruption.
Expected Benefits: Improved access to medical care by enabling a patient to remain in his/her local healthcare site (i.e. home) while the physical therapist consults at distant/other sites.More efficient medical evaluation and management.Obtaining expertise of a specialist.
Possible Risks:
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks associated with the use of telemedicine. These risks include, but may not be limited to:In rare cases, the consultant may determine that the transmitted information is of inadequate quality, thus necessitating a face-to-face meeting with the patient, or at least a rescheduled video consult; Delays in medical evaluation and treatment could occur due to deficiencies or failures of the equipment.In very rare instances, security protocols could fail, causing a breach of privacy of personal medical information;n some cases, a person’s condition is not suitable for virtual assessment and treatment. If so, the therapist will recommend a physician or clinic that is specialized.
Patient Consent to The Use of Telemedicine:
I have read and understand the information provided above regarding telemedicine, have discussed it with my physical therapist as may be designated, and all of my questions have been answered to my satisfaction.
I have read this document carefully, and understand the risks and benefits of the teleconferencing consultation and have had my questions regarding the procedure explained and I hereby give my informed consent to participate in a telemedicine visit under the terms described herein.