Medical semiotics in the telemedicine era: The birth of telesemiotics

Abstract

We define telesemiotics, a special branch of medical semiotics mostly centered on self-performed physical examination, improved physician-patient communication and the use of computer facilities, that needs to become an integral part of medical training. It is hypothesized that the multiplication of empowered patients, actors of their own health, physically and intellectually participating in the diagnostic process, may lead to deep positive public health and societal repercussions.