The guidelines address three aspects of service delivery: administration/management, clinical practice, and technical design and architecture. Under each aspect, the guidelines are presented in the form of three levels of expected adherence: “Shall” indicates required action whenever feasible and/or practical. “Shall not” indicates a proscription or action that is strongly advised against. “Should” indicates recommended action without excluding others. “May” indicates appropriate actions that are deemed appropriate but not mandatory to optimize the telemedicine encounter and the patient experience. These indications are presented in bold letters throughout the document to facilitate their visibility.

ATA urges health professionals using telemedicine in caring for burn patients in their practices to familiarize themselves with these guidelines, as well as other clinical guidelines or best practice standards issued by their professional organizations or societies and to incorporate both sets into their telemedicine practice. These guidelines pertain to healthcare services delivered via telemedicine when both patient and provider are within the United States (US). Other jurisdictions may use these guidelines
at their discretion.

Information courtesy of The American Telemedicine Association.