Telehealth is healthcare supported at a distance by information and communication technology service(s). Telehealth has many benefits. In underserved areas, telehealth enables access to healthcare for people who would otherwise not have access.

For quality and safety of telehealth, in many countries telehealth regulations have been developed by regulatory bodies such as government and professional organizations.

Also, ISO-standards are helpful to achieve quality and safety of telehealth services. In particular, ISO 13131 describes requirements for quality planning of telehealth services.

These regulations and standards are still fragmented. There is a need for integration and guidance.

A framework to classify international standards and guidelines for telehealth and virtual care services and identify of areas that require consideration by telehealth and virtual care Services is available here.

The IMIA Telehealth Working Group develops integrated guides on telehealth. Its Telehealth Guidance Programme aims at providing guidance for specific audiences: patients and family; healthcare providers, manufacturers; managers and policymakers.

Resources and guides which will inform this work are published on this website. Over time integrated guides developed by the IMIA Telehealth Working Group will be added.