What is the difference between asynchronous and synchronous consultation?
Asynchronous or store and forward consultation involves the exchange of clinical information and static images collected and stored in the telecommunication equipment. The dental practitioner collects all the required clinical information and digital intraoral and extraoral images and radiographs (or scanned, originally nondigital images) and forwards them for consultation and treatment planning via established networks and/or the Internet. E-mail is an example of asynchronous communication. Synchronous or real-time consultation involves a videoconference in which the referring specialist with their patients and the specialist at different locations may see, hear and communicate with one another in real time using advanced telecommunication technology and ultra-high-band-width network connections. Examples of synchronous communication are audio or videoconferencing, online chat and real-time online conferencing.
