Telemedicine in Denmark

Most telemedicine projects in Denmark are around three main themes:

First. Long-distance monitoring: These projects cover a wide range of initiatives where the patient’s health status is monitored at a distance, often from the patient’s home. The projects include self-reported monitoring of chronic diseases and assisted telemedicine, where the patient, assisted by a nurse, conducts tests under video supervision by the specialist at the hospital. The purpose is to prevent visits to the hospital. This benefits patients and reduces costs.

Second. Projects involving video conferencing: The aim of these projects is to support communication either between health professionals (from GP or municipal nurse to hospital or between hospitals), or between patients and health professionals. Video conferencing has been used in the municipalities to strengthen the dialogue between municipalities and medical wards at hospitals and in staff training and supervision. Secondly, municipalities and hospitals can use video conferencing to obtain second opinions from specialists.

Third. Digital exchange of photos: The most widespread use of this technology has been the exchange of photos of diabetic ulcers for examination purposes between home nurses in municipalities and specialists at hospitals. In some parts of the country, using telemedicine for ulcer examination is already part of the daily routine, whereas others are piloting the technology. It is broadly accepted that the solution can be beneficial with respect to both quality and costs.