Telemedicine, which enables video or phone appointments between a patient and their health care practitioner, benefits both health and convenience. More health care providers are offering to “see” patients by computer and smartphone.Brian William Hasselfeld, M.D. - Brian William Hasselfeld, M.D.
The 5 C’s that will shape the future of telemedicine:
- Communication – Telehealth is changing that in a big way. Where telemedicine used to mean video conferencing, medical-grade wearables and real-time data has supplemented remote communications between patient and doctor. This makes it possible to handle emergency and urgent care situations or, better yet, preventive situations more effectively and timely.
- Capabilities – Virtual healthcare is making it possible for non-metro-area hospitals to broaden and deepen the hospital’s capabilities. It gives staff access to specialists who might be hours away, or even located in another country. These virtual consults are becoming the most effective solution for giving smaller remote hospitals access to an extended specialized staff.
- Convenience – the convenience level provided by telemedicine has effects that bubble far beyond making it easier for a patient to be treated from the comfort of their own home.
- Channels – Telehealth makes routine rechecks much easier for both the patient and the physician. It helps ensure the patient’s ongoing adherence to the prescribed treatment plan.
- Care – The enhancement of patient engagement, improved overall satisfaction and more accurate outcomes can be considered the most impactful aspect of virtual healthcare.
Source:
By: Camille Legaspi
