The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adaption rates of telemedicine, as people are practicing social distancing, getting health care access through telemedicine sessions seems the most effective and safe solution. In a few months, people have started to gain much more confidence in receiving remote care through a telemedicine platform. The graph below shows how the pandemic has augmented the adaption of telemedicine and digital health solutions.



Earlier people were reluctant in using the solution because of security concerns and lack of access to it. Through the time telemedicine has progressed surprisingly to offer HIPAA compliance to its users and extending its accessibility and availability to potential patients. It also provides HD quality virtual sessions and brings the health care providers and patients closer despite the pandemic.

Before the pandemic, Americans were lagging to pick up on the virtual trend but the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed people to use the telemedicine solutions that may account for 1 billion by the end of 2020. Traditional medical appointments mean you are at risk of catching the virus while visiting the hospital or the clinic facility. Doctors are also discouraging patients to come to the clinic and vouch for seeking diagnosis and treatment through telemedicine. Telemedicine is seen as a valuable solution during these trying times, the virtual consultations help doctors to spot any early carriers of the virus and can advise them self-quarantine and isolation for 2 weeks.

The telemedicine platform not only links the patient to the provider but also bridges the gap between healthcare providers. Provider to provider virtual sessions are very useful for subspecialists to take care of patients from a distance and can be also used to advise physicians on-site as to how to enhance patient care.

Benefits of Telemedicine EMR Software

Let’s look at the many benefits of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic which is making it as a sustainable solution.

  • A telemedicine platform can be used to treat quarantined patients at home.
  • The solution makes sure frontline staff are safe.
  • People suffering from other medical ailments during this time can receive prompt care without having to leave their homes.
  • Follow-ups daily can be conducted through virtual sessions. This reduces in-clinic visits.
  • Using video visits helps patients to avoid coronavirus exposure.
  • Therapists can easily counsel and give therapy to individuals suffering from depression due to the crisis. It is noted that many people are under a lot of stress due to job uncertainty, unable to visit their close circle and economic crunch. Telemedicine ensures people can receive therapy and keep their minds sane.
  • Through telemedicine technologies quarantined health care providers can continue to see their patients through remote feeds.
  • The platform is convenient and flexible offering real-time care.

Conclusion

Telemedicine has been bought into the great spotlight with the pandemic as it is a useful solution to manage COVID-19. However, we need to keep in mind that there are a few limitations associated with the virtual solution. For example, some hospital facilities lack the hardware to be able to implement telemedicine solutions. Previously, hospitals saw telehealth as a tool for ambulatory or post-acute care but now the healthcare environment is taking drastic changes to use the telemedicine platform to triage patients outside the hospital. Nowadays technology is what patients demand and telemedicine is reducing the burden on hospitals and clinics.

Resources:

COVID-19: The rise and rise of telemedicine. (2020). Retrieved 22 June 2020, from https://www.mobihealthnews.com/news/europe/covid-19-rise-and-rise-telemedicine

Sudden Future: The Rise of Telemedicine During COVID-19. (2020). Retrieved 22 June 2020, from https://www.mdmag.com/medical-news/sudden-future-the-rise-of-telemedicine-during-covid-19‎

Telehealth to Experience Massive Growth Due to COVID-19. (2020). Retrieved 22 June 2020, from https://www.itnonline.com/content/telehealth-experience-massive-growth-due-covid-19‎

Telemedicine during COVID-19: Benefits, limitations, burdens, adaptation. (2020). Retrieved 22 June 2020, from https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/telemedicine-during-covid-19-benefits-limitations-‎burdens-adaptation

Zhang, N. (2020). How coronavirus accelerated the rise of telemedicine. Retrieved 22 June 2020, from https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/18/coronavirus-how-covid-19-accelerated-the-rise-of-‎telemedicine.html