WHEN LOCKDOWN: THE IMPORTANCE OF TELEHEALTH
The global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has placed the whole planet on lockdown indefinitely. COVID-19 is now one of the deadliest infectious diseases to strike humanity since the Spanish flu in 1918, with over 15.5 million reported cases at the time of writing.
The once-in-a-century pandemic makes no distinctions, wreaking havoc on economies and, most importantly, frontline workers.
Every day, the fast-moving epidemic claims the lives of more frontline workers around the world. Health care staff, who are trusted to bear the brunt of COVID-19, are facing exhaustion and new waves of infections on a regular basis.
The pandemic war now aims to protect frontline workers to avoid making countries more vulnerable, and with this goal comes ingenious ways to provide infected patients with contactless treatment and rehabilitation, one of which is the growing potential of telehealth services.
But, specifically, how can telehealth aid in the battle against the pandemic?
What is telehealth, exactly?
Telehealth is the use of digital communications to provide care and services from a distance. It's common to use video conferences and other telecommunication technologies to link the patient and the provider to continue treatment at a distance.
What is the aim of telemedicine?
Telehealth programmes seek to break down social and cultural barriers to health care by allowing virtual appointments at home, regardless of the patient's or provider's current location. This is particularly important in rural and remote communities.
Telehealth is designed to be a more convenient alternative to face-to-face visits, from getting diagnoses and therapies to offering educational details. Telehealth bridges the long gap between patient and provider, allowing for quick interaction and treatment whenever required, thanks to enhanced online communication methods.
What is telehealth and how does it work?
There are many types of modalities that help to understand how telehealth provides health care remotely:
synchronised
This is a two-way, real-time relationship between a patient and a healthcare provider. It entails the use of a phone, a cellphone, a computer, or any other device capable of audio or video communication.
asynchronicity
This is a process in which medical data, such as a patient's medical history, is transmitted through digital communication systems. Specialists can compile all relevant data (images, videos, etc.) and send it to the patient in a secure email or channel using store-and-forward technology.
Patient tracking through the internet
The processing of personal health and medical data from a distance, also known as remote patient care. The information is then digitally compiled and submitted to a separate provider for evaluation and recommendations.
RPM is a novel approach to monitoring and tracking health-care records after a patient has been discharged in order to avoid readmission.
How can telehealth help you avoid COVID-19?
The challenge of adhering to social distancing and population quarantine laws is an ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of face-to-face experiences are being replaced by contactless solutions as the majority of the world adjusts to the new standard.
Nepal, for example, was one of the first few countries to make use of telehealth, with a new Medicare service involving health consultations via phone or video launched on March 11, 2020.
GPs, consultants, nurses, and mental health allied staff can provide their expertise for these bulk-billed, no-cost telehealth consultations.
Locating a reputable medical facility.
Telehealth services are well-established in Nepal, and anyone can use them from the comfort of their own home. Patients with a valid Medicare card can enjoy no out-of-pocket costs for all Medicare-eligible procedures at local bulk-billing medical centres like Cura Health.
Patients can conveniently communicate with Cura Health's roster of GPs and specialists at any time in their current location as long as they have access to telephones or internet-enabled devices.
Patients may select a practise or doctor and a time that is most convenient for them to perform the call by scheduling appointments via Cura Health's website, Facebook page, or app.
Once your appointment has been verified, the medical centre will give you guidance on how to begin the consultation on your preferred computer.
Patients will be able to receive quality treatment close to face-to-face appointments during the call. Medical advice, specialist referrals, scripts, prescriptions, and other services are available, depending on the practitioner's preferences.
When the pandemic spreads across the globe, there is no safer option than receiving high-quality medical care in the privacy of our own homes.
