With technological advancements in the 21st century, everything has been moving to
online spaces - including medicine. Telemedicine includes communication between
patients and doctors through online means such as voice or video calls and text
messages. A significant shift to telemedicine was seen during the coronavirus pandemic
due to the promotion of social distancing and an excessive burden on existing medical
institutions. Telemedicine has numerous benefits and has proven to be useful in a
multitude of medical specialties such as psychology, cardiology, and radiology.
Accessibility
Telemedicine has made healthcare more accessible in every way. People with mobility
issues, like those who are older or disabled, can use this facility more conveniently.
People who live in remote areas with no proper medical facilities can also avail
themselves of this to get a consultation. It also saves time as people do not have to take
hours out of their busy schedules for a doctor’s appointment. All this leads to people
tending to get medical advice before they get seriously ill.
Affordability
Online appointments and consultations cost significantly less than in-person ones. It
also saves transport costs and hiring daycare or babysitters to take care of your child
when you are out for your appointment. One study dictates that patients can save $19
to $121 per visit by using telemedicine services. Healthcare administrators save up on
office expenses as well.
Quality of Care
Telemedicine usage has resulted in fewer hospital admissions and readmissions,
shorter stays, reduced emergency department (ED) visits, and easier follow-ups.
According to a study, patients utilizing telemedicine saw a 19% decrease in ED visits.
All this has led to a better quality of care and improved patient satisfaction. According to
a report, 67% of the patients using telemedicine had increased satisfaction with
healthcare.
Safety
A concern regarding hospital visits, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, is
hospital-acquired infections. It can especially be alarming to immunocompromised,
pregnant, older patients, or those with chronic illnesses. You may also transfer your
diseases to others. Telemedicine removes all such potential dangers as you can get
help from the safety of your own home.
Flexibility
As telemedicine can be done from anywhere and anytime, it is easier for physicians to
manage it with their schedules without the risk of burnout. It allows doctors to interact
with patients properly and give them better care, allowing for better doctor-patient
relationships. It also allows them to earn extra income as they have access to more
patients.
Conclusion
Telemedicine is a revolutionary change in healthcare. It has demonstrated huge
advantages over traditional systems. However, it has its restraints and cannot
completely replace in-person visits. Its utilization is also dependent on factors such as
technical training and insurance coverage. While it is encouraged to try out this
advancement for improved services, one has to be wary of its limitations.