I think no sick man can ever like to pay a visit to a hospital, the smell of formaldehyde and other antibiotics makes you feel more stressed and diseased. The environment and sights of chronically diseased patients are enough to feel depressed and shattered, In my childhood the anticipated pain of inserting a needle was a real ghost to me. I remember I used to cry and tried to run away from the hospital but Technology has solved this psychologically disturbing issue, here is everything you need to know that how you can feel healthy and treated without going to the hospital.
Telehealth is a service where you can receive your diagnosis and treatment plan directly from a team of health professionals on a video call. Isn’t it amazing that a patient does not need to go to the hospital and can get checked in their own bed? Although it is an underserved service, it reduces the travelling cost and time that patients and their caregivers need to endure, in addition to their pain.
Telehealth can also be conducted through mobile phones, and patients can send their reports and radiological images through email, while their doctors can advise and suggest on the spot. Technology has made the healing process even speedier and easier. So, telehealth also depends on the purpose of appointments, but it is more convenient for follow-up check-ups.
Myths about telehealth
Telehealth is a more reliable and authentic method, as technology advances, its reputation and uses are evidently accepted and adopted, let’s debunk a few myths that surround this amazing service.
Myth #1: Telemedicine Service is Inferior to In-Person Service
There is a prevailing myth that telemedicine services are inferior to in-person consultations, but this belief is far from the truth. Telemedicine has proven to be equally effective and beneficial for patients. Numerous studies have demonstrated that telehealth can deliver comparable outcomes to traditional face-to-face care, especially for routine check-ups, follow-up appointments, and managing chronic conditions. Telemedicine leverages advanced communication technology to facilitate virtual doctor-patient interactions, ensuring that patients receive timely and quality medical care from the comfort of their homes.
Myth #2: Elderly People Dislike Interacting on Video Calls
Another common misconception is that elderly people are averse to interacting with clinicians on video calls. However, research has shown different results. Many elderly individuals appreciate the convenience and safety of telehealth consultations. It allows them to avoid the hassle of travelling to a clinic, which can be especially challenging for those with mobility issues. Telehealth enables elderly patients to receive proper medical attention while remaining in the familiar and comfortable environment of their own homes. As technology becomes more user-friendly and accessible, older adults are embracing telehealth as a valuable means of receiving healthcare.
Myth #3: Telehealth Services are Unaffordable
Unfortunately, there is a myth that telehealth services are unaffordable, but in reality, telehealth offers cost-saving benefits for both patients and healthcare providers. Telehealth reduces the need for frequent in-person visits, saving patients time and travel expenses. Additionally, telehealth consultations often have lower fees compared to traditional appointments. For healthcare providers, telehealth can enhance efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and streamline operations, resulting in potential cost reductions. The cost-effectiveness and convenience of telehealth contribute to higher patient satisfaction, making it a viable and attractive option for many individuals seeking medical care.
Benefits of telehealth
Telehealth is an option for everyone who wants to receive healthcare services staying at home so we are excited to share its potential benefits like
- Convenience
65% of patients who avail of telehealth services say it is a more accepted and satisfying way to receive advice from their healthcare team, as opposed to visiting a physical clinic
- Safety
63% of telehealth users report feeling safer getting diagnoses and prescriptions away from hospitals, as it keeps them away from other sick patients and potential contagions.
- Time
Any patient can book an appointment at any time, and they can even talk to their doctor while eating breakfast, offering convenience and flexibility.
- Choice
After the national and international lockdowns due to COVID-19, half of Americans state that they will opt for telehealth services to see their doctors.
- No Long Waits for Doctors:
Telehealth services reduce or eliminate long waiting times for doctor appointments, ensuring timely access to healthcare professionals.
- Helping Patients with Chronic Conditions:
Telehealth proves particularly beneficial for patients with chronic conditions, allowing for continuous monitoring and regular follow-ups from the comfort of their homes.
- Useful for Maintaining Healthy Emotional and Mental Conditions:
Telehealth services extend beyond physical health, providing support for emotional and mental well-being through virtual counselling and therapy sessions.
- Radiology and Psychiatry Departments:
Telehealth has gained popularity, especially in radiology and psychiatry departments, where remote consultations and evaluations can be effectively conducted.
- Beneficial for Travelers:
Telehealth services cater to travellers, allowing them to consult with their healthcare providers even when away from home, ensuring medical assistance is readily available.
- No Regular Visits to Clinics:
Telehealth services reduce the need for regular visits to clinics for routine check-ups and minor health concerns, providing medical support virtually.
Examples of telehealth services
Amidst the pandemic lockdown, the realm of telehealth services has expanded dramatically, giving rise to innovative solutions like the hospital-patient portal. Through meticulous analysis of data from two hundred U.S. hospitals, a striking discovery was made: a remarkable 89% of these institutions have operational patient portals. These digital gateways empower patients to engage directly with their physicians, facilitating prescription refill requests, seamless access to test results, hassle-free scheduling of future appointments, and the convenience of setting helpful reminders.
Online doctor appointments stand as another prime example of the telehealth revolution. With just a smartphone and a steady Wi-Fi connection, patients can effortlessly book appointments with their preferred physicians. Notably, this platform also enables direct communication with nurses, amplifying the care.
Beyond virtual consultations, telehealth encompasses an array of diverse services. These encompass enriching medical education and training sessions, pivotal administrative meetings, and an array of other clinical offerings. In essence, the tapestry of telehealth weaves together convenience, accessibility, and comprehensive healthcare solutions.
Conclusion
We heard Need is the mother of all inventions, pandemic seized the world and everything shifted to online, so telehealth services have introduced the service of online doctors. Telehealth aims to achieve the goals of Problem-solving doctor shortages, Remote training Patient interaction Communicating with providers, and many more. Telehealth is a completely patient-centric method and encourages the patient well being