The use of technology has significantly increased during the current times. The recent pandemic and the prevailing healthcare issues have compelled healthcare practitioners to virtual healthcare. One cannot emphasize the role telemedicine has played during the peak time of the pandemic. Even today, many healthcare experts prefer telemedicine, as it allows doctors to attend to their patients on video or voice calls. It is a convenient method that has allowed us to talk to different healthcare experts from home comfort, anytime, anywhere.
Telemedicine is not a new concept; it has been around for almost four decades. However, with the advancements in technology, telemedicine has gained popularity over a few years. According to a survey conducted, 74% of people prefer telemedicine over traditional face-to-face appointments. Let us look at the different ways telemarketing is helping doctors save lives.
Telemedicine improves the shortage of staff problem
The shortage of healthcare providers is a persistent issue. The existing staff is overworked and overburdened as they have prolonged working hours. Studies have shown that nurses and other health care providers face depression and anxiety disorders because of their high-stress jobs. Telemedicine can help to improve the situation. Patients that do not require to be physically available in the hospital or a clinic can communicate over the phone. It will allow the health care workers to better attend to the patients already present in the hospital.
Another benefit of telemedicine is that the people who avoid the medical profession solely because of the long working hours can now consider it. The current tech-friendly generations are more interested in telemedicine. It provides them with an option to work from home. During tough times like the recent pandemic, nurses had to work for long hours, which has been tiring. However, with the advent of telemedicine, even nurses can enjoy a comfortable work environment by setting their work hours by themselves. If you want to pursue a career in healthcare, specifically in nursing, consider enrolling yourself in an online MSN program. It will help you to kick start your career in nursing in the most flexible way.
Telemedicine Helps in Timely Management of Chronic Diseases
Chronic disease management is, of course, an important concern in almost every region. Some of the common chronic diseases include hypertension, stroke, cancer, mental illnesses, etc. We all have heard or know someone who has had a cardiac arrest and had a sudden death. People tend to ignore some unusual signs of falling prey to disease. In contrast, others procrastinate to see a doctor due to a hectic work schedule.
Telemedicine comes to the rescue as a patient can coordinate with their doctor over the phone or email. It helps the doctor monitor their patient and provide the required help in controlling the prevalence of further health issues. Besides, through telemedicine, patients can get a 24/7 consultation for themselves and their loved ones from anywhere around the world.
Telemedicine improves access to healthcare:
Rural areas often lack quality healthcare facilities. People residing there have to travel to urban cities to benefit from quality healthcare facilities. Telemedicine can help increase access to local people and doctors. People can now consult specialists over the phone, which is a cost-effective method and reduces your travel expenses. Other neglected places such as prisons can also make the most of this facility. A study demonstrated that telemedicine provides cost-effective secondary care to prisoners. Besides, the local doctors can also gain insight from the specialists and advance further in their careers.
Telemedicine Improves diagnosing and treating strokes:
Time is crucial during a stroke as the body starts to lose blood cells. According to the American Health Association, to reduce the chances of disability caused by the stroke, an anticoagulant drug must be administered within four and a half hours. Telemedicine can help minimize the stroke effects until the time you reach a doctor near your place. He/she, through online consultation, will also be able to assist the patient’s loved one take charge until the official help arrives.
Telemedicine Improves Mental Health
Many people are reluctant to go to a psychiatrist because of the social stigma attached to mental health issues. Telemedicine can help you to consult with a psychiatrist from your home. It allows the patient to be comfortable talking, discussing, and getting a consultation at the right time. Telepsychiatry also supports people in places where mental health care providers are not readily available. However, the psychiatrist needs to obtain the license of the area where their patient resides.
Telemedicine Improves In-hospital Collaborations
Hospitals obtain information about a patient and save it virtually on the computers. When doctors have to collaborate with other doctors or specialists, they tend to share the patient’s details for better consultation. It allows them to study the case thoroughly and familiarize themselves with the patient’s case, complexities, diagnosis, and treatment methods. It helps the doctor to save time and improves the collaborations for better treatment of the patients.
Telemedicine Improves Rehabilitation At Home
Many patients suffer from diseases that restrict them from traveling. For example, a person with Parkinson’s disease may have limited movement, and traveling to a healthcare facility may be out of the question. In such scenarios, telemedicine allows the patient to restore health in their homes.
Telemedicine help patients rehabilitate in many ways. It can conduct online physical and mental therapy sessions. The doctors can also monitor the progress of their patients by conducting online assessments. Telemedicine does assist not only the patients but also their families by helping them understand the disease efficiently.
Final Words
Telemedicine is helping doctors around the world to help their patients efficiently. It is a cost-effective method that is suitable for both the patient and the doctor. More people are now relying on telemedicine for all their health-related inquiries. It helps lessen the burden of healthcare experts working informal settings. Although it still requires some upgrades, we can consider it the future of medicine worldwide.
