Telehealth has become a crucial need for healthcare providers to extend care to patients remotely during the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth is gaining more popularity as the virus is growing as both patients and practitioners see this as an effective platform to treat patients while keeping self-isolation and social distancing intact.

A report released by Global Market Insights revealed that by 2016 the telemedicine market will value at $175.5B which reflects that telehealth is the future of healthcare. Almost 97% of healthcare leaders have expanded their telemedicine service platform to be accessed.

Why is it Important

Let’s look at how at the 5 reasons why telehealth has become more vital than ever.

  1. Telemedicine protects both the doctors and the patients – Telehealth is seen as a safe way to extend care to patients because high contact between humans increases its risk of spread. Through virtual sessions, treatment and diagnosis can be provided without having to worry about catching the COVID-19 virus. Patients are willing to use telemedicine to receive prompt and effective treatment because they are scared to visit hospitals and clinics.
  2. Enhances mid-level and support staff – Telemedicine can greatly improve your triage services as video functionality can be used by nurses when evaluating new complaints. These patients can then be effectively triaged to homecare or a telehealth visit with a healthcare provider. The platform is also suitable for pre and post-procedure consultations.
  3. It escalates healthcare access in senior living communities – Telemedicine has many befits of convenience and can enhance care and disease management. Through the powerful platform hospitalization rates for high risk, senior living communities can be reduced. Telemedicine can be effectively used for office visits and mental health services.
  4. It helps to save bed save at hospitals and clinics – Telehealth has helped to conserve supplies and bed space by keeping low-risk COVID-19 patients at home and reducing the burden on hospital staff and making space for critical patients. Telemedicine can also be used by clinicians to reach admitted patients through zoom and iPad devices which helps to limit exposure and the use of protective gear.
  5. The platform is suitable for the specialties of cardiology and psychiatry – Due to the pandemic many specialties have extended their telehealth platform for patients with critical needs, one such platform is telecardiology which is for cardiovascular care. This includes virtual waiting rooms and rehab exercises which are smartphone-based. Due to the pandemic, many people are undergoing stress, anxiety as there is a constant risk of getting laid off and families are confined in their homes. Therapists can engage in online sessions with their patients to provide safe counseling to ensure mental wellbeing.

Final Takeaway

The telemedicine software solution is the best choice for hospitals and healthcare providers as it overall enhances the care program. You should now be convinced to add telehealth to your health system to provide opportunities for patients to receive care remotely and to keep your practice competitive during these trying times. Many EMR software vendors offer a robust telemedicine platform to reach out to patients and lower costs. If you haven’t thought about using telemedicine, now is the right time to give it a thought. It greatly helps to provide the best patient care and also enhances your work-life balance!

Resources:

(2020). Retrieved 8 June 2020, from https://www.physicianspractice.com/blog/5-reasons-practice-telehealth.

Guillot. (2020). 6 Reasons Telehealth Is Now More Important Than Ever. Technology Solutions That Drive Healthcare. Retrieved 8 June 2020, from https://healthtechmagazine.net/article/2020/05/6-reasons-telehealth-now-more-important-ever.

Harpaz, J. (2020). 5 Reasons Why Telehealth Is Here To Stay (COVID-19 And Beyond). Forbes. Retrieved 8 June 2020, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/joeharpaz/2020/05/04/5-reasons-why-telehealth-here-to-stay-covid19/#31c829d653fb.