Telemedicine, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is the use of communication technology to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and accidents despite geographic boundaries. It is connecting patients with their healthcare providers in real time via live video conferencing and audio communication equipment rather than physical interaction.??
Telehealth, a term often use juxtaposed to telemedicine services, can assist people who have limited access to healthcare. Patient monitoring from distant places, employee education in healthcare, health instructions, mental health and counselling services, coaching and health resources, viewing lab test results such as tracking blood sugar or blood pressure, requesting drug refills via apps and communication with a healthcare team on a two-way basis via phone, email, or patient portals are some examples of telehealth.?
Even though the coronavirus crisis has enhanced the popularity and importance of telemedicine, nearly 85 % of patients still wish to utilise it after the pandemic. It's not surprising, given the numerous benefits of telemedicine:??
- ?Receiving treatment at the comfort of home: It is even feasible to receive a written prescription in some situations. You'll only need a smartphone with an excellent camera if you want to show your doctor images. There are no routine clinic visits. One can contact the doctor and review the treatment plan from anywhere.??
- ?No long wait and queuing: While visiting a clinic may still be necessary, telemedicine can help eliminate some diagnoses without the need for in-person sessions. Major benefit is that you won't have to wait in long queue for your appointment. You also save time and money by not having to travel to a clinic.?
- ?Assisting patients with chronic illnesses: Diabetes, for example, is a major public health concern. Telemedicine businesses seek to assist such patients in keeping track of their health.??
- ?Most effective treatment for mental and emotional disorders: Telemedicine firms can connect patients with mental health issues and therapists 24/7, which is frequently highly effective because just talking on the phone or watching a video may make them feel better.??
- ?Travellers’ benefit:? While travelling, people may experience health issues. Finding a reputable medical doctor and receiving medical treatment while travelling might be difficult. Arguing with insurers can also be a headache. According to a study published in the Journal of Travel Medicine, ~60% of travellers are pleased about telemedicine and telehealth.?
Noticeably for many, the distinction between telemedicine and telehealth is difficult to grasp. Contrary to common belief, they are not interchangeable. To some extent both phrases refer to providing healthcare via technology. But there is a distinction between the two: To begin, telehealth is a more inclusive phrase than telemedicine. Telehealth is a broader term that refers to non-medical services, whereas telemedicine refers to medical care delivered remotely. Telehealth refers to non-clinical medical services, while telemedicine, according to the WHO, also involves preventive care and uses a variety of technology and tactics to provide distant health and education services.?
Any long-term expansion of telehealth benefits should be organised to promote high-quality, comprehensive, and ongoing treatment in addition to increasing access to care. Furthermore, telehealth advantages should be tailored to reinforce rather than disturbing the patient-physician connection.?
- To safeguard telehealth access for patients who may lack broadband access, have little technological literacy, or for whom a video visit is impracticable or undesired, there should be a possibility to have audio-only and telephonic consultations, in addition to virtual check-ins.?
- To guarantee that physicians continue to provide virtual care to their patients, coverage and reimbursement should be consistent across all payers.?
- Payment models should be provided so that the patients can choose the type of care.
- Payment models should also support the physician's capacity to guide the patient to the right service modality (i.e., provide acceptable compensation) in accordance with the current standard of care.?
- To improve digital health equity, invest in infrastructure.
- To ensure telehealth access to important primary care and mental health services.?
Greater exposure to remote treatment has alleviated concerns about its efficacy, efficiency, and patient happiness indicating that telemedicine and telehealth are really a reliable futuristic option and digital health solution.?
- Welch, B. M., Harvey, J., O’Connell, N. S., & Mcelligott, J. T. (2017). Patient preferences for direct-to-consumer telemedicine services: A nationwide survey. BMC Health Services Research, 17(1). doi:10.1186/s12913-017-2744 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5704580/??
- AAFP, APA, ACP. (2020, July 1) Joint Letter to Sens. Alexander and Murray. https://www.aafp.org/dam/AAFP/documents/advocacy/health_it/telehealth/LT-Congress-TelehealthHELP-070120.pdf??
