NZ624255A - Telemedicine device and related methods of use - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a telemedicine device allowing remote diagnosis of a patient by a physician without the physical presence of the physician with the patient. The device is a single handheld device that integrates into one device, sensors located within or integral to the device comprising: (a) at least one stethoscope; (b) at least one body temperature sensor; (c) at least one pulse rate sensor; (d) at least one oxygen saturation sensor; (e) at least one sensor to visually acquire images and/or video of the patient; and a communication means by which the patient data collected is communicated to a remotely located physician via a data network for subsequent diagnosis of the patient.

Description

TELEMEDICINE DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS OF USE TECHNICAL FIELD Described herein is a telemedicine device and related methods of use. More specifically, a telemedicine device is described that may be used by a patient to collect patient data that is then able to be viewed and analysed by a remotely located physician and used to assist in making a medical diagnosis and, optionally, to also assist with treatment tasks.

BACKGROUND ART Telemedicine refers to the technology used to allow doctors or other physicians to diagnose patients from a remote location. Traditionally, a medical diagnosis involves the physical examination of a patient, typically in the physician’s consulting rooms. New technologies such as video cameras becoming more ubiquitous along with the internet and faster network speeds mean the opportunity exists to meet with a patient via the internet or any data network and from the meeting make a diagnosis. A major limitation of this method of diagnosis that physician find is that, because of the physical barriers that inherently occur from the method, basic patient data used in a diagnosis may be missing or impossible to gather such as patient temperature or pulse rate and other factors. Sometimes the patient may have measured some of this data by, for example, taking their own temperature but these measurements may be from devices with dubious accuracy or measured using incorrect technique, the result being incorrect data and in worst cases resulting in incorrect diagnoses.

One method to address the inherent problems of telemedicine is the use of medical hubs where ancillary physicians may be based such as a nurse or technician and that ancillary person takes the measurements needed by the physician. This method still requires the patient to travel to the hub and incurs the expense of maintenance of the hub and payment of ancillary staff.

A device that the patient may own or borrow/lease, and which is accurate and which transmits the patient measured data to the physician may be desirable. Ideally this is done in the patient’s home or at any location thereby avoiding unnecessary travel and the establishments of hubs. A body of literature already exists in this area teaching of various ways to enhance the telemedicine consultation, some examples including US6409661, WO2013184437, US20120095357, US20140018779, US20010056226 and US5987519. A drawback of these existing art technologies is that they are not one single handheld device and instead various measurement instruments or sensors are plugged in or removed. As a result, the art devices are seldom one unit and do not have the basic sensors and instruments neatly integrated into one unit. This can make the art devices expensive (the basic device may be cost effective but the add-ons make the product expensive); the separate instruments may require extra care and maintenance not necessarily completed in the home environment; with the extra devices plugged in or removed, the device becomes unnecessarily complicated or cumbersome to use leading to a drawn out consultation; further, the size of the art devices means they are not able to be handheld; and finally art devices may not be sufficiently simple for commercial use.

It is an object to address the above problems or at least provide the public with a choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the device and methods of use will become apparent from the ensuing description that is given by way of example only.

SUMMARY Described herein is a telemedicine device that may be used by a patient to collect patient data that is then able to be viewed and analysed by a remotely located physician and used as a method to assist in making a medical diagnosis and, optionally, to also assist with treatment tasks.

In a first aspect, there is provided a telemedicine device allowing remote diagnosis of a patient by a physician without the physical presence of the physician with the patient, wherein; the device is a single handheld device that integrates into one device, sensors comprising: (a) at least one body auscultation sensor; and (b) at least one further sensor allowing measurement of patient data comprising: body temperature, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, and visually acquired images and/or video of the patient; and a communication means by which the patient data collected is communicated to a remotely located physician for subsequent diagnosis of the patient.

In a second aspect, there is provided a telemedicine device allowing remote diagnosis of a patient by a physician without the physical presence of the physician with the patient, wherein; device is shaped as an elongated solid, the elongated sides forming a grip region for the patient to hold the device; and the device integrates into the one device, at least one sensor allowing measurement of patient data comprising: body temperature, body auscultation, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, visually acquired images and/or video of the patient; and a communication means by which the patient data collected by the device is communicated to a remotely located physician for subsequent diagnosis of the patient.

In a third aspect there is provided a method of completing a medical consultation by the steps of: (a) providing a telemedicine device to a patient, the device allowing remote diagnosis of a patient by a physician without the physical presence of the physician with the patient, the device being a single handheld device that integrates into one device, sensors comprising: at least one body auscultation sensor; and at least one further sensor allowing measurement of patient data comprising: body temperature, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, and visually acquired images and/or video of the patient; and (b) connecting the device to a first processor in communication with the patient; (c) connecting the first processor to a second processor in communication with a physician via a data network; (d) having the patient use the device to measure and collect patient data and via the first processor, data network and second processor, relay this information to the physician; and (e) allowing the physician to make a diagnosis based on the patient data received.

In a fourth aspect there is provided a method of completing a medical consultation by the steps (a) providing a telemedicine device to a patient, the device allowing remote diagnosis of a patient by a physician without the physical presence of the physician with the patient, the device being shaped as an elongated solid, the elongated sides forming a grip region for the patient to hold the device; and wherein the device integrates into the one device, at least one sensor allowing measurement of patient data comprising: body temperature, body auscultation, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, visually acquired images and/or video of the patient; and (b) connecting the device to a first processor in communication with the patient; (c) connecting the first processor to a second processor in communication with a physician via a data network; (d) having the patient use the device to measure and collect patient data and via the first processor, data network and second processor, relay this information to the physician; and (e) allowing the physician to make a diagnosis based on the patient data received.

Advantages of the above device and methods of use include the ability to complete a more accurate diagnosis via telemedicine since the physician is able to collect more patient biometrics in the consultation. In addition, the device minimises the amount of extra work required by the patient hence speeds up the consultation process. Further, the device is robust and self contained with the sensors used generally located within or integral to the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further aspects of the device and methods of use will become apparent from the following description that is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the telemedicine device from a first side; Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the telemedicine device from a second side; and Figure 3 illustrates a flow diagram schematic of the information exchange using the telemedicine device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION As noted above, described herein is a telemedicine device that may be used by a patient to collect patient data that is then able to be viewed and analysed by a remotely located physician and used as a method to assist in making a medical diagnosis and, optionally, to also assist with treatment tasks.

For the purposes of this specification, the term ‘about’ or ‘approximately’ and grammatical variations thereof mean a quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length that varies by as much as 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, , 4, 3, 2, or 1% to a reference quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length.

The term ‘substantially’ or grammatical variations thereof refers to at least about 50%, for example 75%, 85%, 95% or 98%.

The term 'comprise' and grammatical variations thereof shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements.

For prolixity the term ‘physician’ is referred to as being the receiver of the patient data and the individual that makes the diagnosis from the patient data. However, for the purposes of this specification, the term ‘physician’ has a wider meaning and refers to any medically qualified individual, team, or machine or processor that may receive the measured patient data and make a diagnosis based at least in part on this data and is not limited to a single doctor or other physician.

In a first aspect, there is provided a telemedicine device allowing remote diagnosis of a patient by a physician without the physical presence of the physician with the patient, wherein; the device is a single handheld device that integrates into one device, sensors comprising: (a) at least one body auscultation sensor; and (b) at least one further sensor allowing measurement of patient data comprising: body temperature, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, and visually acquired images and/or video of the patient; and a communication means by which the patient data collected is communicated to a remotely located physician for subsequent diagnosis of the patient.

In a second aspect, there is provided a telemedicine device allowing remote diagnosis of a patient by a physician without the physical presence of the physician with the patient, wherein; device is shaped as an elongated solid, the elongated sides forming a grip region for the patient to hold the device; and the device integrates into the one device, at least one sensor allowing measurement of patient data comprising: body temperature, body auscultation, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, visually acquired images and/or video of the patient; and a communication means by which the patient data collected by the device is communicated to a remotely located physician for subsequent diagnosis of the patient.

The physician and patient may be connected via a data network, the telemedicine device sending measured patient data to the physician via the network.

The telemedicine device may be approximately prism shaped with generally rectangular sides, the elongated rectangular sides forming a grip region for the patient to hold the device.

One end of the telemedicine device may terminate in a tubular cross section. The tubular cross section may allow insertion of a patient finger into the device from which pulse rate and oxygen saturation may be measured. Measurement of pulse and/or oxygen saturation may be via a pulse oximeter. The pulse oximeter may be integrated into the tubular region of the telemedicine device.

The tubular cross section of the telemedicine device may also house at least one camera. The camera may be used to take an image or video footage of the patient or a part of the patient. For example, the physician may direct the patient to point the camera towards a rash on the patient’s skin and, via the telemedicine device camera or cameras, the physician may view the rash in detail.

To further assist with visual observations, the telemedicine device may also include at least one macro lens that may be attached to one end of the tubular cross section. The macro lens may have an integrated light source. The macro lens may be attached by the patient and on direction of the physician to the patient, the macro lens may be used to observe magnified detail of the patient such as detail of a skin freckle or mole or the outer ear. In one embodiment, the macro lens may be integrated into the shape of a standard frustroconical shaped ear piece. The ear piece may assist in ear analysis. As noted above, the ear piece integrating the macro lens if used, may be fitted and removed to the device by the patient. Fitting and removal may be for example via a snap fitting where the ear piece slots into a receiving member on the telemedicine device or alternatively, the ear piece may be threaded onto a receiving portion on the telemedicine device.

The device as noted above also includes a sensor to measure body auscultation. The sensor may be a stethoscope. The sensor may be an electronic stethoscope. The body auscultation sensor may be located in one embodiment approximate one end of the device. The sensor may be located about the alternate end of the device to the tubular cross section.

In one embodiment, the device may further measure blood pressure. In one embodiment, the device may also measure the electrical activity of the heart via an electrocardiogram (ECG). For both of these further sensors, the sensors may be add on items plugged into the telemedicine device or may be integrated into the device.

The telemedicine device may include one or more visual, and/or audio, and/or movement indicia to assist the patient. The visual/audio/movement indicia may be used to provide a indication to the patient about operation of the device – for example, to alert the patient to the device being on or off; to alert the user to the device being connected with the physician; to alert the patient about the status of a particular sensor being active or inactive on the device; or to alert of an incorrect reading or problem with the device such as the need for maintenance or re-calibration. As may be appreciated, indicia such as lights or sounds or shaking/vibration may be used for a wide range of reasons and the above examples should not be seen as limiting.

As noted above, the telemedicine device and physician communicate via a data network such as the internet. At the patient end, the telemedicine device and patient may communicate with a first processor which collects and sends data via the data network to the physician. The first processor may itself have two camera modes, a first mode allowing the physician to view images and/or video footage of the patient via the data network and a second mode allowing the physician to view images/video footage of the patient via the device. This allows the physician to have a normal conversation with the patient as well as being able to look at specific aspects about the patient and their condition. As noted above, a macro lens may also be used on the device camera to allow a magnified view of a particular feature by the physician.

In one embodiment, the first processor may be external to the telemedicine device. While it may be possible to integrate a processor into the device, the inventor found that in order to miniaturise the telemedicine device, it was easier to keep the first processor and device as separate items.

The first processor may be selected from: a computer, a smart phone, a tablet. The first processor may include a camera. Such devices are ubiquitous among society and easily able to be integrated with the telemedicine device further removing the need to integrate the first processor into the device itself, instead allowing the device to be small and easy to use, a useful advantage when the device is used directly for making various patient measurements.

The telemedicine device may connect to the first processor via a cable linking the device to the first processor. The cable may be a USB connection to the first processor however any connection may be used. Alternatively, the device may connect to the first processor via a wireless connection linking the device to the first processor. Examples of wireless connections include Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi™, zigbee, or various cellular technologies. For simplicity, reduction in cost and reliability, a wired connection may be useful however this should not be seen as limiting.

The physician may communicate with a second processor, the second processor being in communication with the data network and which receives the patient information. Where a first processor is used, the second processor may receive and process data received from the first processor and/or device.

The second processor may be selected from: a computer, a smart phone, a tablet. The second processor may include a camera The second processor may also retrieve patient records held by the physician and compare the patient data against the patient records. The second processor may be used to further interpret the compared results and alert the physician of any inconsistencies. The second processor may further suggest diagnoses to the physician for further investigation.

Based on the information received by the physician, the physician can make a diagnosis of the patient’s condition and provide advice on a method of treatment visually, phonetically and/or in writing.

An outcome of the diagnosis may be that the physician provides a prescription to the patient via the data network for the patient to fill at a pharmacy or drug store. A further outcome may be a suggested medical plan that the patient then refers to. A yet further outcome may be that the physician’s recommended treatment is referred not only to the patient but to a medical centre to which the patient then travels to such as a hospital allowing the hospital to be ready to treat the patient in advance of their arrival. The diagnosis and/or treatment plan may also be referred to an emergency service such as a paramedic or ambulance team in advance of their arrival.

Further, the physician may provide a prescription to a pharmacy or drug store directly based on the diagnosis via the data network for the patient to obtain or have the medication delivered to them.

In a third aspect there is provided a method of completing a medical consultation by the steps of: (a) providing a telemedicine device to a patient, the device allowing remote diagnosis of a patient by a physician without the physical presence of the physician with the patient, the device being a single handheld device that integrates into one device, sensors comprising: at least one body auscultation sensor; and at least one further sensor allowing measurement of patient data comprising: body temperature, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, and visually acquired images and/or video of the patient; and (b) connecting the device to a first processor in communication with the patient; (c) connecting the first processor to a second processor in communication with a physician via a data network; (d) having the patient use the device to measure and collect patient data and via the first processor, data network and second processor, relay this information to the physician; and (e) allowing the physician to make a diagnosis based on the patient data received.

In a fourth aspect there is provided a method of completing a medical consultation by the steps (a) providing a telemedicine device to a patient, the device allowing remote diagnosis of a patient by a physician without the physical presence of the physician with the patient, the device being shaped as an elongated solid, the elongated sides forming a grip region for the patient to hold the device; and wherein the device integrates into the one device, at least one sensor allowing measurement of patient data comprising: body temperature, body auscultation, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, visually acquired images and/or video of the patient; and (b) connecting the device to a first processor in communication with the patient; (c) connecting the first processor to a second processor in communication with a physician via a data network; (d) having the patient use the device to measure and collect patient data and via the first processor, data network and second processor, relay this information to the physician; and (e) allowing the physician to make a diagnosis based on the patient data received.

In the above methods the physician also receives visual and oral communications from the patient.

Advantages of the above device and methods of use include the ability to complete a more accurate diagnosis via telemedicine since the physician is able to collect more patient biometric data in the consultation. In addition, the device minimises the amount of extra work required by the patient hence speeds up the consultation process. Further, the device is robust and self contained, with the sensors used generally located within or integral to the device.

The embodiments described above may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the embodiments relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as of individually set forth, Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

WORKING EXAMPLES The above described device and methods of use are now described by reference to specific examples.

EXAMPLE 1 Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an example embodiment of the device 10 described herein is illustrated. Figure 1 is a perspective drawing of a first side of the device 10 while Figure 2 is a perspective view of the opposing or second side of the device 10.

As noted above, the telemedicine device 10 allows for remote diagnosis of a patient by a physician without the physical presence of the physician with the patient. The device 10 integrates a number of sensors into one device 10 that the patient can use to provide biometric information to the physician with whom the patient is in dialogue via a data network.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the device 10 is a single handheld device 10 that has an elongated section about which the patient can grip the device 10 via surfaces indicated by arrow 16.

Specifically, the device 10 is approximately prism shaped with elongated rectangular sides, the elongated rectangular sides forming the grip region 16. The sides may be smoothed so as to give a more aesthetically clean finish without sharp edges. The upper end of the device 10 as shown in the Figures terminates about a tubular section 17. The device 10 shown integrates into one device 10, a body auscultation sensor 11 in the form of an electronic stethoscope. The device 10 also includes an infrared thermometer, a pulse oximeter and a camera inside the tube 17 allowing the physician to view images and/or video of the patient as viewed form the perspective of the device 10.

The stethoscope 11 is located about the base of the device 10 as shown in the Figures.

The infrared thermometer is located within the tubular section 17 and points an infrared beam out of the tube 17 and into the patient’s ear canal when activated.

A pulse oximeter is located within the tube 17, the tube 17 having a sufficient diameter to allow the patient’s finger to be inserted therein in a direction generally shown by arrow 13.

The tube 17 also houses a camera (not shown).

An ear piece 12 in the form of a frustroconical shaped moulding 15 may be releasably attached to the device 10 about one tube 17 ending. The ear piece 12 may be used to assist with temperature measurement. The ear piece 12 may be used for examination of the patient’s ear.

The ear piece 12 opening 14 may include a macro lens allowing the physician to magnify their image viewed via the device camera.

As shown in the Figures, a wire 19 may extend from the device 10. The wire 19 may be used to electronically send collected information from the device 10 to the physician via a data network such as the internet. The wire 19 may for example have a USB plug that plugs into a computer, smart phone, laptop or tablet used by the patient. Unwired communication methods such as via Wi-Fi™ or Bluetooth™ connections (not shown) may also be used.

Visual indicia 18 in the form of LED lights are shown in the Figures to help the patient use the device 10. Other sounds or movements may also be used to help direct the patient with correct use such as by beeps, alarms or vibration.

The telemedicine device 10 may also include other sensors (not shown) either integrated into the device 10 or plugged into the device 10. Examples of further sensors include blood pressure and heart electrical activity sensors such as a sensor or sensors that can collate an electrocardiogram (ECG).

EXAMPLE 2 Figure 3 illustrates a way that the telemedicine device 4 may be used to complete a patient 2 and physician 3 consultation 1.

The consultation 1 may take place via the internet 5 with the physician 3 at one end and the patient 2 and device 4 at the opposing end of the consultation 1. Given the internet connection 5, the consultation 1 may be completed with either party 2,3 at any physical location. Both parties 2,3 may join the consultation 1 via a computer 6,7 or other processor such as a smart phone or tablet. The telemedicine device 4 may by connected to the patient’s computer 6. The processor 6 may be external to the telemedicine device 4. In the inventor’s experience this may be advantageous to miniaturise the size of telemedicine device 4 and make it, at least physically, easier to use by the patient 2.

The consultation 1 may involve an initial conversation between the physician 3 and patient 2 using art video conferencing facilities such as via a Skype™ call where both parties 2,3 may view each other and talk. This allows the physician 3 to initially assess the overall patient 2 look and manner and to ask questions to assist with making the diagnosis. The physician 3 may then direct the patient 2 verbally or via written instructions to use the telemedicine device 4 to take various readings as may be desired by the physician 3. For example, the patient 2 may on the direction of the physician 3 take their temperature measurement by inserting the ear piece into their ear. The patient 2 or physician 3 then pushes a button which activates the infrared sensor to take a measurement. The measurement taken is then relayed to the physician 3 via the network 5. Alternatively, the stethoscope may be positioned by the patient 2 on the appropriate areas on direction of the physician 3. The physician 3 may also switch their view to that seen by the camera on the telemedicine device 4 and the physician 3 may ask the patient 2 to point the camera at a desired site such as the ear canal or at a rash or skin irritation. The image or video footage seen by the physician 3 through the device 4 may then be viewed by the physician 3 directly with or without a macro lens attached to the device 4. Via the network connection 5, the physician 3 can see the patient’s 2 actions, take the measurements normally completed in a face to face examination and make a diagnosis. Given the simplicity of the device 4 and the integrated nature of the device 4, usage is simple and quick, important factors when requiring a medically untrained patient 2 to take their own measurements. The rapid speed with which measurements may be taken is also critical as the physician 3 may only have a limited amount of time to complete the consultation 1 hence they do not want to spend much of the consultation 1 time directing the patient 2 on what to do.

Optionally, the computer 6 or other processor that the patient 2 uses may include specific software that communicates directly with the telemedicine device 4 and/or data network 5. It is envisaged that specific tailored software may be beneficial to make the consultation 1 as efficient as possible plus, via proprietary software, more security may be introduced into the consultation 1. The software may be purchased along with the device 4 either in physical form such as on a disc or instead may be downloadable from a website or in the form of an application obtained from a site provider such as iTunes™.

The physician 3 too may use the device 4 remotely via a specific software programme. In many countries, certain software programmes are used to allow for so-called ‘e-medicine’. In New Zealand, an example is the software named ‘Medtech’ used by patients 2 to access their medical records online and through which the patient 2 can communicate with the physician 3. An add on to existing software used by physicians 3 may be used to assist the physician 3 and to tailor or make the use of the telemedicine device 4 more efficient. The software add-on may also provide the means to communicate with the patient’s 2 own doctor (not shown) who already has access to patient 2 data .

Other features may also be integrated into the consultation 1. For example, the physician’s 3 software may collate the measured telemedicine device 4 data in the consultation 1 and in real time compare this to historical patient data from earlier telemedicine or face to face consultations 1 and alert the physician 3 to any anomalies. Some software already also exists that assists physicians 3 to interpret the patient 2 data and help with a possible diagnosis and similar software could be used in the context of the present device 4 and method as well.

Once the physician 3 has collated the data desired, they can then make a diagnosis in the usual manner or they can refer the patient 2 for further analysis themselves or to a physical premises such as a hospital.

The diagnosis may be relayed to the patient 2 in real time via the internet connection 5 with the patient 2, and the physician 3 may also use images or refer to the patient 2 to other websites or information sources online in real time.

Should the patient 2 require any medication to assist with treatment, the physician 3 may for example, provide a prescription to the patient 2 via the data network 5 for the patient 2 to fill at a pharmacy or drug store. The physician 3 may also provide a suggested medical plan for the patient 2.

The physician’s 3 recommended treatment may be referred to the patient 2 and to a medical facility (not shown) to which the patient 2 is referred to for further treatment.

The physician’s 3 diagnosis and/or treatment plan may also be referred to an emergency service.

The physician 3 may provide a prescription to a pharmacy or drug store directly based on the diagnosis via the data network 5 for the patient 2 to obtain or have the medication delivered to them.

Aspects of the device and methods of use have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the claims herein.

Claims (22)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A telemedicine device allowing remote diagnosis of a patient by a physician without the physical presence of the physician with the patient, wherein; the device is a single handheld device that integrates into one device, sensors located within or integral to the device comprising: (a) at least one stethoscope; (b) at least one body temperature sensor; (c) at least one pulse rate sensor; (d) at least one oxygen saturation sensor; (e) at least one sensor to visually acquire images and/or video of the patient; and a communication means by which the patient data collected is communicated to a remotely located physician via a data network for subsequent diagnosis of the patient.

2. The telemedicine device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the stethoscope is an electronic stethoscope.

3. The telemedicine device as claimed in any one of the above claims where in the temperature sensor is an infrared temperature sensor.

4. The telemedicine device as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the patient pulse rate and/or oxygen saturation are measured via a pulse oximeter integrated into the telemedicine device.

5. The telemedicine device as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the telemedicine device comprises at least one camera.

6. The telemedicine device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the telemedicine device comprises attachable macro lens that is attached to the at least one camera.

7. The telemedicine device as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein a frustroconical shaped ear piece fits onto the device.

8. The telemedicine device as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the device further comprises at least one sensor to measure the electrical activity of the heart via an electrocardiogram (ECG).

9. The telemedicine device as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the device comprises at least one visual, and/or audio, and/or movement indicia.

10. The telemedicine device as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein, at the patient side, the telemedicine device and patient communicate with a first processor which collects and sends data via the data network to the physician.

11. The telemedicine device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the first processor has two camera modes, a first mode allowing the physician to view images and/or video footage of the patient via the data network and a second mode allowing the physician to view images/video footage of the patient via the device.

12. The telemedicine device as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the first processor is external to the telemedicine device.

13. The telemedicine device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the first processor is selected from: a computer, a smart phone, a tablet.

14. The telemedicine device as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the physician communicates with a second processor, the second processor being in communication with the data network and which receives the patient information.

15. The telemedicine device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the second processor is selected from: a computer, a smart phone, a tablet.

16. A method of completing a medical consultation by the steps of: (a) providing a telemedicine device to a patient as claimed in any one of the above claims; (b) connecting the device to a first processor in communication with the patient; (c) connecting the first processor to a second processor in communication with a physician via a data network; (d) having the patient use the device to measure and collect patient data and via the first processor, data network and second processor, relay this information to the physician; (e) allowing the physician to make a diagnosis based on the patient data received.

17. The method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the physician makes a diagnosis of the patient’s condition and provides advice on a method of treatment visually, phonetically and/or in writing.

18. The method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the physician provides a prescription to the patient via the data network for the patient to fill at a pharmacy or drug store.

19. The method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the physician provides a suggested medical plan for the patient.

20. The method as claimed in claim 16 where the physician’s recommended treatment is referred to the patient and to a medical facility to which the patient is referred to for further treatment.

21. The method as claimed in claim 16 where the physician’s diagnosis and/or treatment plan is referred to an emergency service.

22. The method as claimed in claim 16 where the physician provides a prescription to a pharmacy or drug store directly based on the diagnosis via the data network for the patient to obtain or have the medication delivered to them.