Image Source: yayimages.com
According to a Rocket Health report, four out of every five people have used telehealth at least once. These numbers demonstrate the importance of telehealth in the present healthcare landscape. But why is it so critical and how is it changing the current state of home health care?
This article will try to help you understand what telehealth is and will closely look at how it is transforming the healthcare world.
Introduction to Telehealth
Telehealth is a broad term encompassing healthcare service delivery through digital means. This can include direct medical care, health information services, and patient education, all of which can happen via mobile health applications, video conferencing, and remote monitoring of patient systems.
It initially started as a means of serving patients in remote areas, but it later grew to become a vital part of evaluation and treatment options across different healthcare organizations, including hospitals and home healthcare providers.
Telehealth offers a range of services that extend the reach of traditional healthcare. These services may include but are not limited to primary care, monitoring homebound patients, specialist referral services, access to consumer medical information, and continuing education opportunities for health care professionals.
How is Telehealth Transforming the Healthcare Industry?
Telehealth became the norm during the pandemic. With the strict implementation of minimal or no outdoor activities, crowd avoidance, and the risk of possible COVID-19 exposure, visiting a healthcare professional was quite challenging.
During these challenging times, telehealth became a lifesaver of sorts for people who were practicing social distancing or simply were afraid of exposure to the virus, but needed to consult with a medical practitioner. Studies show that there was a growth of over 13000% in telehealth usage during COVID-19. However, all indications are that the numbers have largely remained on the high side only after the pandemic.
Years after the pandemic, telehealth is still widely used as an effective and efficient means to get home health care. Here are 6 reasons why telehealth is transforming the home healthcare industry.
1. Remote Monitoring
One of the most impactful aspects of telehealth in the home healthcare sector is remote patient monitoring. Wearable devices and connected health technologies make it easy for healthcare providers to track patients’ medication, vital signs, and health status remotely.
This continuous monitoring helps in the early detection of health issues, timely interventions, and personalized care plans, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.
2. Virtual Consultations
Telehealth also enables virtual consultations between patients and healthcare providers. This eliminates the need for in-person visits. Via secure video calls or conferencing platforms, patients can easily connect with their healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes.
It also improves accessibility for patients, especially for those with mobility limitations or living in remote areas. It also provides a convenient and efficient means for healthcare providers to serve their clients.
In fact, a McKinsey report indicates that around 55% of people believe they received better care via telehealth.
3. Management of Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases are often challenging to manage, especially for homebound individuals. In such a setting, telehealth can be a tremendous practical tool. Patients with diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure can receive regular monitoring and remote support to take control of their health and treatment plans more effectively.
Through telehealth, health professionals can prevent disease progression and improve the overall quality of patients’ lives.
4. Medication Management
Telehealth platforms also offer innovative solutions for medication management, which ensures that patients follow their prescribed medications and dosage schedules.
With automated reminders and medication tracking apps, pharmacists can help patients stay organized and informed about their medications. This proactive approach reduces any chances of medication errors and prevents adverse drug interactions, which ultimately leads to better treatment outcomes.
5. Care Coordination
The most challenging part of home health care services is coordination. Healthcare is a multidisciplinary landscape, which allows different disciplines (pharmacists, nurses, doctors) to coordinate and work together, This can be challenging in a facility and even more so in a remote setting, which is why many facilities rely on medical director services to manage this coordination effectively.
However, telehealth makes it easier to communicate and collaborate among multidisciplinary care teams. With secure messaging platforms and electronic health record systems, healthcare providers can share and coordinate care plans efficiently.
It helps ensure patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care customized to their unique needs.
6. Cost Savings and Efficiency
Cost is a significant factor when it comes to choosing health care, especially from the perspective of a patient. Telehealth technologies can also help achieve significant cost savings for home healthcare providers and often for the patient who receives this care. The reduction in travel expenses and fewer hospital admissions can lower healthcare costs and improve financial sustainability.
Final Thoughts!
Telehealth is reshaping the home healthcare industry. The above reasons show why and how telehealth is at the forefront of transforming healthcare services. By offering a multitude of opportunities to improve patient outcomes, enhance their care quality, and optimize resource utilization, telehealth is revolutionizing how healthcare is delivered in the home setting.
As technology continues to evolve and telehealth adoption expands, healthcare professionals need to accept and adapt these innovations to channel their full potential in transforming home healthcare for the better.
If you are a patient or a healthcare professional, catch up with these latest healthcare advancements to make the most of telehealth’s positive impact on home care.