Contents
Introduction
In the era where infectious diseases like COVID 19 are prevalent, in office visits at the clinics are risky and people are preferring telemedicine. After the COVID-19 epidemic, health organisations are increasing their telehealth services and offering virtual appointments. It has become simpler because of advancements in technology. You can consult your doctor from the comfort of your home via telemedicine.
What is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine is described as a healthcare practice where a medical practitioner diagnoses and treats patients remotely. It is a healthcare service provider through audio and video tools. Therefore, ensures that people with limited access to care receive healthcare when they need it. It allows a person to seek a doctor’s advice about situations that do not require an in-office visit.
Why does healthcare need telemedicine?
An increasing number of hospitals are looking into the advantages of telemedicine due to rising healthcare expenses and the demand for better health care. They desire greater utilisation of healthcare facilities and enhanced communication between doctors and patients who live far away. In this case, telemedicine also encourages improved connectivity, leading to a decrease in hospital readmissions and better follow-up of discharged patients enhancing overall patient experience.
Benefits of Telemedicine
- Control of infections: Physicians can use telemedicine consultations to prescreen patients for potential infectious diseases in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, the flu, and other infectious diseases. Additionally, it eliminates the need for sick individuals to visit the office. This is also likely to minimise the chances of exposure. Everyone benefits from less exposure to other people’s germs, but those who are older, immunocompromised, pregnant, or chronically sick benefit the most.
- Access to Healthcare: They can also meet the best medical providers using video applications, conversations are conducted remotely, and doctors have better tools to network, store data, and manage reports and use one’s special skills.
- Convenience and Flexibility: You can consult with your doctor via telemedicine without physically visiting their clinic or office. It may be more convenient to arrange virtual appointments around your hectic schedule. During your doctor’s appointment, it is beneficial to have a family member present to assist with providing information, asking questions, and taking notes on the doctor’s responses. If your family member lives far away or is at work, telemedicine can allow them to participate in the virtual visit if you grant permission.
- Cost Efficiency: Regular hospital visits can be expensive due to travel costs particularly in rural areas. Using telemedicine services through audio and video tools can save both patients’ and healthcare provider’s time and cost of treatment. It can simplify the procedure in hospitals and medical centres. Monitoring discharged patients and managing their recovery would be easier through these services.
- Chronic condition management: Regular visits with your doctors are important for continuous monitoring of chronic conditions. Telemedicine makes it easier to connect with your doctor for management of your chronic conditions. This is an easier way to get mental health assessment and counselling.
Telemedicine vs Telehealth
Telemedicine focuses on remote clinical services provided by doctors. Telehealth, on the other hand, is broader covering remote clinical and nonclinical services provided by health professionals other than doctors.
Telemedicine improves clinical and administrative operations. Using healthcare apps and AI increase the chances of follow up visits, track lab results, review treatment plans, and other healthcare services. This improves remote patient surveillance. With advancements in technology, clinicians have better tools for networking, video calling, storage of data, and report management. This improves the quality of health care practice.
Best Practices for Successful Telemedicine Consultations
Successful telemedicine practices must meet the following requirements guaranteeing a virtual and seamless experience for the patients.
- High speed internet, hardware, and software tools that facilitate both video and audio consultations.
- Handling technical issues like troubleshooting and supporting resources.
- Training medical professionals and support staff to use telehealth services appropriately.
- Accurate maintenance of the patient’s clinical documentation.
Challenges and Considerations
- Technological glitches can occur when using devices.
- Lack of physical examination of the patient.
- challenges in ensuring electronic health records remain protected
- Insurers have inconsistent policies on reimbursements.
Conclusion
Telemedicine has the potential to make healthcare more efficient, organised, and accessible. Research in this area is still in its early stages but continues to expand. However, this technology is only a supplement to physical consultation and never a substitute for a physical consultation. Rising healthcare costs and a need for better treatment are driving more hospitals to explore the benefits of it.
written by Shruthi
Sources:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/benefits-of-telemedicine