Which term refers to using audio, video, and other telecommunications and electronic information processing technologies to monitor the health status of a patient from a distance?

• A. Telepresence
• B. Telemonitoring
• C. Telemetry
• D. Teleradiology

Answer: (B)

Monitoring a patient’s health status from a distance relies on collecting data (vital signs, symptoms, device readings) and transmitting it to clinicians who can review it and intervene as needed. This continuous data flow and management of patient status from afar is the essence of telemonitoring. It may involve real-time audio/video for assessment or guidance, but the key is remote data collection, transmission, and clinical follow-up.

Telepresence focuses on creating a sense of being with the patient via live communication, not primarily on systematically tracking health data. Telemetry is the technical transmission of physiological data from a remote device to a monitoring system and is a component of telemonitoring rather than the full process. Teleradiology is about remotely interpreting radiology images, not general health status monitoring.