Telemedicine: A Vital Part of the Future of Healthcare
Telemedicine, which is characterised as the use of electronic information and telecommunications technology to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health, and health administration, is rapidly becoming a critical part of the healthcare future. Telemedicine is one of the fastest-growing industries of healthcare, and it is expected to continue growing at a rapid pace as the pressure to boost care delivery quality while lowering costs grows.
One of the most significant features of telemedicine is that it puts the patient at the centre of treatment. Of course, there are disadvantages to this increased dependency on technology, such as the learning curve associated with emerging technologies and the possibility that technology will have an impersonal impact on doctor-patient relationships.
There are some advantages of this as well. Video conferencing with remote patients would possibly require some doctors to develop their personal skills as they learn to communicate with people who aren't in the same room, just like a traffic roundabout eliminates accidents by forcing drivers to pay more attention. It would also make it easier for those people who do not already have access to treatment to get it.
The following statistics show that telemedicine is becoming more popular:
It's more convenient for patients: According to an online Cura Health survey, 64% of patients are able to engage in a video consultation with a doctor. Sixty-one percent said convenience played a role in their decision.
It is rapidly expanding: in 2013, Nepal hosted nearly 50,000 remote physician consults, more than double the number hosted in 2011. By 2018, the number of patients using telehealth technology would have increased from 350,000 in 2013 to about 7 million.
It has the potential to save money while still adding value: Video tours, according to 62 percent of respondents, should be less expensive than in-person visits. In a study, researchers discovered that telehealth visits cost between $400 and $500 on average, compared to an approximate cost of 1360 to 1760 for an in-office visit. They also discovered that after a virtual visit, 83 percent of health issues were resolved. Meanwhile, by 2019, the total demand for hospital-based telehealth technology will be worth $19.5 billion.
It's important to note that, as technology becomes more prevalent, healthcare environments must evolve and change as well. Technology is opening new doors in healthcare, as we've previously written about the waiting room, and it should be completely integrated in exam rooms.
The Cura Health discusses how healthcare design can help doctors and patients interact and connect with one another, as well as allowing family members and friends to participate if necessary. We strongly advise you to take a look!
