e-Health has grown to become interjurisdictional in scope and in practice. Central to successful implementation and scaling of e-heath solutions is clear and concise communication of ideas and principles, and instructions during construction. This paper addresses the need for an agreed taxonomy and terminology and focuses on explaining, proposing, and recommending terms and action for an international consensus-based terminology for telehealth.

Methods: Two structured database literature searches were performed to identify literature relevant to telehealth/telemedicine taxonomy or terminology.

Results: The terminology search identified 162 resources of which 4 met the inclusion criteria, while the taxonomy search identified 447 resources of which 5 met the inclusion criteria. Using these literature sources, a telehealth terminology was developed.

Discussion: The literature shows clear lack of and need for a common telehealth taxonomy and terminology. Of those proposed in the literature none has been universally adopted or applied.

Conclusions: Proponents of telehealth and those working in or aligned with the field, must develop, agree upon, adopt, and use clear and accurate telehealth terminology to ensure concise and accurate communication in the application of telehealth globally.