Last Updated on March 1, 2024 by Admin
Telehealth technology has extended the arms of traditional health care delivery into homes, clinics, and other environments outside the bricks and mortar of hospitals
Discussion Question:
Telehealth technology has extended the arms of traditional health care delivery into homes, clinics, and other environments outside the bricks and mortar of hospitals. Will the increased use of these telehealth technology tools be viewed as “de-humanizing” patient care or will they be viewed as a means to promote more contact with healthcare providers and new ways for people to “stay connected” (as online disease support groups), thereby creating better long term disease management and patient satisfaction?
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Expert Answer and Explanation
Module 5 Discussion Question
Among the biggest developments of healthcare is the introduction of technology elements. Telehealth elements in healthcare have aided in improving communication, coordination of care, and also the transmission of various healthcare plans among patients and healthcare givers. Recently, there is increased evidence showing that telehealth technology has helped in extending the arms of traditional care into clinics, homes, and other environments that are outside the bricks of hospitals (Dorsey & Topol, 2016). Like any other improvement, telehealth has also had negative implications, and sometimes, it is unclear whether the de-humanizing effects it has on care exceeds the provision to keep healthcare professionals more connected with the patients.
The truth is that controlled use of telehealth can only help patients to stay more connected with healthcare providers, provided that there is proper monitoring. One of the major provisions of telehealth is the option for educational charts for patients, where healthcare professionals can interact with patients in monitoring the presence of disease (Tuckson, Edmunds, & Hodgkins, 2017). Also, the ability to hold meetings, interviews, and trainings using telehealth platforms is enough evidence that telehealth increases the connection between different healthcare providers.
The only time that telehealth appears to disconnect patients from healthcare givers is when there are no proper communication breakdown between the two parties. These negative elements should be corrected to ensure that doctors can be fully efficient in providing support care services to the patients. This is also possible only if there is maximum communication breakdown between the two parties, where patients also appreciate the value of these telehealth systems and also how to utilize them to benefit fully from them.
References
Dorsey, E. R., & Topol, E. J. (2016). State of telehealth. New England Journal of Medicine, 375(2), 154-161. Retrieved from https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra1601705
Tuckson, R. V., Edmunds, M., & Hodgkins, M. L. (2017). Telehealth. New England Journal of Medicine, 377(16), 1585-1592. Retrieved from https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsr1503323
Alternative Answer
Significance of Telehealth Technology in Care Delivery
In the United States (U.S.), technology is shaping how patients receive medical services, and currently, there are emphasis to shift towards the use of the telehealth technology to remotely help promote care. Although the idea of remotely caring for the patients presents contentious issues such as de-humanizing patient care, the patient can actually benefit from this type of arrangement (Boxer & Ellimoottil, 2019).
The telehealth provides the constant link between the provider and the patient, and this makes it possible for the former to constantly monitor patients. This enables the long-term management of the patient, and makes it possible for the caregiver to provide adequate care to the patient. This also makes it possible to deliver seamless care given that the provider can care for the patient round the clock as long as the telehealth system is working effectively (Boxer & Ellimoottil, 2019).
For some patients, the thought of traveling to the health facility, and cumbersome admission operations can be demotivating. The use of the telehealth eliminates these challenges as well as the bureaucracies linked to the access to care in the hospital facilities. Patients who are unable to get into the hospital because of distance are able to benefit from the clinical care as long as they have access to the telehealth system. Thus, it provides an easy and more efficient approach to managing health cases.
A key feature of the telehealth model of healthcare delivery is that it allows a health practitioner to address the health needs of multiple patients with similar health problems. This saves them time, and eliminates the need for the patient to be physically present at the point of care to receive treatment (Boxer & Ellimoottil, 2019). Thus, the notion that telehealth is de-humanizing is not true.
However, the telehealth may not entirely be effective when it comes to managing medical care situations. Other than clinical care, patients require emotional, and spiritual support, and they need to feel the presence of the provider. The telehealth technology cannot help meet these expectations, and any support that a provider provides virtually, may not fully address the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient.
References
Boxer, R. J., & Ellimoottil, C. (2019). Advantages and utilization of telemedicine. mHealth, 5, 12. Doi: https://doi.org/10.21037/mhealth.2019.04.02.
Kruse, C. S., Krowski, N., Rodriguez, B., Tran, L., Vela, J., & Brooks, M. (2017). Telehealth and patient satisfaction: a systematic review and narrative analysis. BMJ open, 7(8), e016242. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016242.
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FAQs
What is telehealth as a health care delivery method?
Telehealth is a healthcare delivery method that involves the use of telecommunications technology to provide remote medical services, consultations, and support. It encompasses a wide range of services, including virtual appointments with healthcare providers, remote monitoring of patients’ vital signs and symptoms, telemedicine consultations, and health education delivered via video conferencing, mobile apps, or other digital platforms.
Through telehealth, patients can consult with healthcare professionals from a distance, eliminating the need for in-person visits to medical facilities. This method enables healthcare providers to diagnose, treat, and monitor patients remotely, expanding access to care for individuals in remote or underserved areas. Telehealth can be utilized across various medical specialties, including primary care, mental health, dermatology, cardiology, and more.
Key components of telehealth include video conferencing, secure messaging platforms, remote monitoring devices, electronic health records (EHRs), and mobile health applications. These technologies enable real-time communication between patients and healthcare providers, allowing for virtual examinations, discussions of symptoms, prescription refills, and follow-up care.
Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly during public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as it helps reduce the risk of virus transmission by minimizing in-person interactions while still ensuring patients receive necessary medical care. Overall, telehealth serves as a convenient, efficient, and effective means of delivering healthcare services, improving access to quality care for patients regardless of geographical location or mobility limitations.
What are some of the advantages of telemedicine telehealth for people who may live close to their health care facilities?
Even for individuals who live close to healthcare facilities, telemedicine and telehealth offer several advantages:
- Convenience: Telemedicine eliminates the need to travel to healthcare facilities, saving time and reducing transportation costs. Patients can access medical care from the comfort of their homes or workplaces, without having to navigate traffic or parking.
- Flexibility: Telemedicine provides flexibility in scheduling appointments. Patients can often schedule virtual visits outside of traditional office hours, allowing them to receive care at times that are more convenient for their schedules.
- Reduced Wait Times: With telemedicine, patients may experience shorter wait times for appointments compared to in-person visits. This can lead to faster access to care and reduced frustration for patients who may otherwise have to wait weeks for an available appointment slot.
- Continuity of Care: Telemedicine facilitates ongoing communication between patients and healthcare providers, promoting continuity of care. Patients can easily follow up with their providers, ask questions, and discuss treatment plans without the need for face-to-face appointments.
- Access to Specialists: Telemedicine enables patients to access specialists who may not be available locally. Even if a patient lives near a healthcare facility, they may still benefit from virtual consultations with specialists located elsewhere, expanding their options for high-quality care.
- Preventive Care: Telemedicine encourages proactive healthcare management by making it easier for patients to engage in preventive care measures. Routine check-ups, screenings, and health education can be delivered remotely, promoting early detection and prevention of illnesses.
- Privacy and Comfort: Some patients may feel more comfortable discussing sensitive health issues in the privacy of their own homes. Telemedicine allows for confidential consultations, enhancing patient comfort and trust in the healthcare process.
How has telehealth impacted the healthcare system?
Telehealth has significantly impacted the healthcare system in several ways:
- Increased Access: Telehealth has expanded access to healthcare services, especially for individuals in remote or underserved areas. Patients can now consult with healthcare providers remotely, eliminating the need for travel to physical facilities.
- Convenience: Telehealth offers convenience for both patients and healthcare providers. Patients can schedule appointments more easily and receive care from the comfort of their homes. Healthcare providers can conduct consultations more efficiently, potentially seeing more patients in a day.
- Cost Savings: Telehealth can lead to cost savings for both patients and healthcare systems. Patients save money on transportation and time away from work, while healthcare facilities can reduce overhead costs associated with maintaining physical spaces.
- Improved Chronic Disease Management: Telehealth enables more frequent monitoring and communication between patients and healthcare providers, which is especially beneficial for managing chronic conditions. Remote monitoring devices can track vital signs and symptoms, allowing for earlier intervention and better management of chronic diseases.
- Reduced Hospital Readmissions: Telehealth programs focused on post-discharge care can help reduce hospital readmissions by ensuring patients receive proper follow-up care and support at home.
- Enhanced Provider Collaboration: Telehealth facilitates collaboration among healthcare providers, allowing for remote consultations, second opinions, and multidisciplinary care coordination, which can lead to improved patient outcomes.
- Mental Health Support: Telehealth has been instrumental in expanding access to mental health services, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients can receive therapy and counseling remotely, reducing barriers to seeking mental health support.
- Emergency Response: Telehealth enables quick access to medical advice in emergencies, providing remote triage and guidance for patients before they seek in-person care. This can be especially crucial in situations where immediate medical attention is required.