Frequently asked questions

Telemedicine can be defined as:

"The investigation, monitoring, and management of patients and the education of patients and staff using systems which allow ready access to expert advice and patient information no matter where the patient and competence are geographically located."

(The definition is based on that of the EU Commission's programme Advanced Informatics in Medicine).

1. What is telemedicine?

Telemedicine is not a new medical discipline such as surgery or psychiatry. Telemedicine is a set of communication services that make it possible to utilize medical resources in a new and better way. For example, telemedicine may involve transferring information about the patient instead of moving the patient.

2. Can you offer me telemedicine treatment?

Telemedicine is not a medical discipline, and the NST does not offer medical services. We develop new communication solutions within health and medicine, and we conduct research in this area.

3. Can you help me to get better?

The NST does not offer medical treatment. If you need medical assistance or advice, we advise you to contact your regular GP.

4. Can I get telemedicine at home?

With the help of electronic communication solutions, you can contact your GP by email or SMS. Ask your GP whether he or she offers such services. In addition, certain hospitals offer specific services via the Internet, such as eczema counselling. Some have also implemented certain electronic communication services as part of the care they provide.

5. How do I benefit if my doctor uses electronic communication solutions?

For example, you can book appointments, order renewal of a prescription, order a medical certificate, or send general text-based messages to your doctor. It is also possible to send certain attachments, such as digital photographs. The advantages include not having to wait on the phone to book an appointment or renew a prescription.

6. How can I be sure that information about me as a patient does not go astray?

The electronic communication solutions that some doctors offer today have been developed in compliance with the Norwegian Data Inspectorate's guidelines and support all national standards for the Norwegian public health service. The solutions also fulfil the requirements of Norway's Personal Data Act (Personvernloven).

7. How can telemedicine help me?

With the help of telemedicine solutions, you can receive treatment in your local environment instead of having to travel a long distance to your closest specialist doctor or hospital.

8. Is it possible for a doctor to make a reliable diagnosis, for example with the help of digital wound images? Don't you miss out on something when you cannot smell or touch the skin?

Telemedical services are not intended to replace contact with specialist doctors, but are currently used as a supplement to traditional treatment, for example from a dermatologist. After you have visited the specialist doctor, it may be relevant to use electronic solutions such as digital photographs. The doctor then knows you, has assessed you, and has probably made a diagnosis. If follow-up care or check-ups are needed, telemedicine solutions can be efficient both for the doctor and for the patient.

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