Telehealth is the use of digital information
and communication technologies, such us phones,
computers, and etc. This brings healthcare workers
and healthcare givers one step closer to their clients
or patients that are from far flung areas or unreachable clients who can’t seek medical help or attention.
Because of the COVID quarantine and the reduction in medical services provided by health professionals during this time, telehealth or telemedicine has recently become a very important technology. As a result, telemedicine consultations with patients became an essential practical innovation when out-patient clinic consultations were stopped from March to September. Doctors appeared to be hesitant to engage in telemedicine consultation in the past due to the constraints of diagnosing without a physical examination and physicians’ comments about the lack of a payment mechanism following consultation. Better technology, pragmatism, and online payments have all helped to solve these problems.
Telehealth is mainly for people who live in rural or isolated regions should have access to health services. Also, it is efficient and makes healthcae services more accessible to persons who have restricted mobility, time, or transit alternatives.
TeleHealth could help through :
1. Use a mobile phone or other device to upload food logs, medications, dosing and blood sugar levels for review by a nurse who responds electronically.
2. Watch a video on carbohydrate counting and download an app for it to your phone.
3. Use an app to estimate, based on your diet and exercise level, how much insulin you need.
4. Use an online patient portal to see your test results, schedule appointments, request prescription refills or email your doctor.
5. Order testing supplies and medications online.
6. Get a mobile retinal photo screening at your doctor’s office rather than scheduling an appointment with a specialist.
7. Get email, text or phone reminders when you need a flu shot, foot exam or other preventive care.
There are various systemic and strategic actions that need to be taken in order for ICT in health and telehealth to be fully understood and prosper in the Philippines.
– First and foremost, the government must create a common integrated platform. If diverse electronic application suppliers are charged with developing software to capture health databases, this is crucial.
– Second, mechanisms for data and record interoperability must be established.
– Third, the cost of hardware, software, and training for healthcare professionals and facilities must be clearly defined. If this is to become the country’s regular operating practice, tremendous time and financial resources will be necessary. Finally, there must be a response to the practical question of how telehealth providers are compensated.
