What are the two distinct historical streams flowing into modern remote diagnostics?

The consultative model rooted in early telephone use and the monitoring model driven by space exploration

The comprehensive evolution leading to modern remote diagnostics did not follow a single path but rather involved the convergence of two primary, distinct historical streams. The first stream was the consultative model, characterized by early uses of the telephone to provide general medical advice across distances, often driven by geographical isolation. The second stream was the monitoring model, which was technically propelled by the rigorous demands of space exploration, requiring real-time, automated transmission of physiological data. The fusion of these two historical approaches—one focused on consultation and the other on technical, continuous monitoring—laid the groundwork for the sophisticated systems recognized today.