The EDIT telemedicine system is based on two points that collaborate with each other remotely: the Doctor-Patient Station and the Doctor-Consultant Station. The goal is to allow a patient to be properly examined even when there is no appropriate specialist in their area.

The Doctor-Patient Station — where the patient is

The Doctor-Patient Station is the place where the patient goes. It is located close to the patient, usually in a local doctor’s office, Health Center or other facility in their area, especially in places where there are no readily available specialist doctors

At this station, the patient is not alone. He is greeted by a doctor who is physically there, next to him. This doctor is the person who examines him, talks to him, takes his measurements (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, cardiogram, etc.) and operates the medical equipment of the station. In simple words, he is the “hand” and the “eyes” of the examination on the patient.

The Doctor-Consultant Station — where the specialist doctor is located

The Doctor-Consultant Station is located in another city or in a large hospital. There, a specialist doctor-consultant is located — for example, a cardiologist, dermatologist, or other specialist — whom the patient would not be able to easily meet in his or her area.

The doctor-consultant does not touch the patient and is not physically with him. However, he monitors live, through the telemedicine connection, everything that happens at the Doctor-Patient Station: he sees the measurements, listens to the station doctor and offers his specialized opinion.

How are the two stations connected?

The two stations are connected via a secure real-time telemedicine connection (image, audio and medical data). The essential point is this: the communication is between the two doctors, not between the patient and a doctor on a screen.

That is,

• The attending physician of the Doctor-Patient Station examines the patient and the results of the examination (video, audio and measurements) are accessible by the medical consultant in real time.
• The medical consultant evaluates the data, asks questions, guides the examination and gives his specialized assessment.
• The attending physician gives an opinion based on the advice of the specialized physician

Which doctor has the ultimate responsibility?

Based on the current legal framework (Law 3984/2011, article 66 par. 16), the final decisions, opinions and instructions remain the responsibility of the treating physician who is with the patient at the Doctor-Patient Station (STIA). He is the one who applies the treatment, informs the patient and undertakes the follow-up.