Telemedicine and Telehealth are both growing increasingly more popular as time goes on. In just a little time from 2014-2018, telemedicine popularity jumped up by 1,400%, which is incredible! Although many patients are still unaware of such healthcare access and practices, there will likely be a massive surge in usage comfortability and adoption into the new decade. As a brief refresher, allow us to run you through some of the more prominent features surrounding this advanced technique.
It's common for Telehealth practices to be conducted in lieu of in-person consultant appointments. Let's say a patient is harbouring too much pain and doesn't have the energy to leave the comfort of their bed to attend a doctor's appointment. This is where they could just as easily power up their mobile device to participate in a video-streamed call to spark a conversation on symptoms and likely diagnoses for the patient.
74% of people have openly expressed that they feel more comfortable with technologically communicating with medical staff rather than meeting in person at a physical location. This means that there is a greater potential for other techniques like Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and more on value-based care.
Post-Operative Care comes in hand with Telehealth practices, especially in several use-cases. Let's say a patient just received a wisdom tooth removal procedure. In that extensive recovery process, there are several steps to be followed so that the patient could recover accordingly. If the patient is on their own or elderly, they might not have the bedside aid they need to make a bowl of soup or even read the instructions on the antibiotics bottle. That's where a simple call via Telehealth and Telemedicine can save the day.
Telehealth offering simplicity
In order to deliver the most impact, Telehealth must operate in conjunction with other tools in its environment. Just take online portals, document management software, and other shared workforce platforms for example, with this situation. Secure text messaging lowered the cost of care, and patient care overall can result in a more effective experience for all of those involved.
In more severe cases, when patients get sick are find themselves out of town or unable to get to the doctor, physicians can just as easily send a prescription over to a pharmacy when it is most convenient for the patient. Life doesn't stop moving for anything, so often utilising Telehealth tactics would benefit citizens most, when necessary.
Those who put these tactics off may see or feel uncertainty in the future of their business. Patients will likely choose to evolve and move in the direction of the more advanced healthcare providers.
Are you interested in adding Telehealth to your healthcare practice?
Contact your BlueStar representative to find out what tools and software you need to offer the best to your patients and reduce waiting times.
