The health care system is constantly evolving. Advances are being made on a regular basis. In the past two years, we have seen these advances firsthand. As COVID-19 spread across the globe, the healthcare system has both evolved and adapted through the introduction of telehealth.
Telehealth uses digital information and communication technologies such as computers and smartphones to access health services remotely (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). Telehealth can be used in several ways by both healthcare providers and patients. Telehealth aims to make health care more accessible to those in remote and isolated communities, those with limited mobility and/or transportation. Telehealth aims to improve communication and access to specialists and allows for patients to self-manage their care.
Primary health clinics have created patient portals. These portals allow patients to directly message their primary care provider (PCP). The portal is secure and allows for confidential communication between patients and PCP. Virtual appointments are another form of telehealth. Appointments take place via videoconferencing and/or the telephone. Telehealth also includes the use of remote monitoring. An example would be the ability to access lab reports from your device.
Kichloo et al., (2020) discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of telemedicine. The advantages are both accessibility and availability. Wait times have greatly decreased. Those in rural communities can now easily access health care providers. I have found it convenient to attend a doctor’s appointment via telehealth. I can step away from work to take a call or attend a ZOOM meeting. I am no longer needing to arrange childcare or book time off for medical appointments. Barriers to telehealth include the lack of physical exams. There are also barriers for those who do not have access to phones and/or smart devices. Another concern is confidentiality.
Tsymbal (2021) discusses healthcare trends and innovations in 2021. Telehealth and remote care are identified as leading trends in the field of medicine. Telehealth is expected to grow by “185.6 billion by 2026” (Tsymbal, 2021, paras 12-13). Given that our population is aging, and physician shortages are increasing, it is safe to assume that telehealth will be utilized more in the coming years (Kichloo et al., 2020). I imagine that there will be further advances in technology and that change will come to the delivery of care. My hope is that barriers are mitigated for those who cannot access telehealth and that there are no gaps in service
References
Kichloo, A., Albosta, M., Dettloff, K., Wani, F., El-Amir, Z., Singh, J., Aljadah, M., Chakinala, R., Kanugula, A., Solanki, S., & Chugh, S. (2020). Telemedicine, the current covid-19 pandemic and the future: A narrative review and perspectives moving forward in the USA. Family Medicine and Community Health, 8(3), e000530. Retrieved March 28, 2022, from https://doi.org/10.1136/fmch-2020-000530
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Telehealth: Technology meets health care. Retrieved March 28, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/telehealth/art-20044878
Tsymbal, O. (2021). Healthcare technology trends and digital innovations in 2022. MobiDev. Retrieved March 28, 2022, from https://mobidev.biz/blog/technology-trends-healthcare-digital-transformation
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