How is telemedicine transforming healthcare?

Ten ways telemedicine is changing healthcare

1.  Improved access 

The use of telemedicine improves access to healthcare and specialist physicians in different locations. This is especially important in rural and lower-resourced areas. The ability for healthcare professionals to work remotely and see more patients in the same time-frame is one strategy that can be used to combat shortages of healthcare staff around the world.

2. Faster and more convenient consultations

Healthcare seekers are able to schedule consultations at a time and place more convenient to them, with reduced waiting times. 

3. Time and cost efficiencies for providers

The use of telemedicine can provide efficiency savings for healthcare practices by streamlining workflows and reducing overheads. Doctors are able to triage patients to decide when an in-person consultation is required, reducing the burden on busy clinics and emergency departments. Missed appointments, which waste valuable clinical time, are also reduced.

4. Expanded patient base

Telemedicine enables healthcare providers to reach a larger patient base over a wider geographical area. 

5. Time and cost savings for patients

Patients save time travel costs by seeing their healthcare provider virtually. The opportunity to remotely supervise rehabilitation enables hospital stays and associated costs to be reduced. 

6. Improved management of chronic diseases

Utilising remote monitoring tools can improve the management of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Regular, auto-transmitted measurements enable doctors to monitor trends in patients’ health status, rather than relying on intermittent data or patient reporting. 

7. Earlier interventions to improve outcomes

Remote monitoring and more frequent communication with patients improves the  detection of warning signs which may indicate the need for early interventions. This can improve outcomes, especially for time-critical treatments.

8. Increased collaboration between healthcare providers

The use of video-conferencing and easier sharing of medical records increases collaboration among health professionals, with the potential to improve patient outcomes. 

9. Improved follow-up and home support

Patients no longer have to wait until their next in-clinic appointment to address concerns they may have. Improved follow-up can optimise compliance with treatment and recommended lifestyle changes. 

When physical home visits are not practical, a teleconsultation provides an opportunity to communicate with patients in their home environment. This is particularly beneficial for children, the elderly and those with mobility or mental health challenges, and may provide doctors with insights into living conditions which may impact a patient’s health. 

10. Distribution of care 

As telehealth advances, healthcare will increasingly be delivered as much as possible where the patient is, rather than requiring repeated visits to larger hospitals. Nursing homes and smaller clinics will be able to connect with specialists remotely to improve the experience and outcome for patients.