Telemedicine has become a valuable medical technology and resource during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical professionals and patients recognise that telemedicine is no longer solely about convenience; it offers a safe alternative to the traditional methods of delivering medical services. Although telemedicine has been available for years, the current pandemic has accelerated its adoption within the broader population.
Sadly over 100,000 mainly older people in the UK have now died from COVID-19 including over 25,000 in care homes, and thousands more continue to be affected by the pandemic.
As a consequence, the elderly are experiencing unprecedented restrictions due to their increased vulnerability to the virus including such activities as routine medical visits.
Telemedicine refers to technology-enabled healthcare management. It encompasses more than an appointment with a qualified medical professional through a laptop, tablet or mobile device. It is a component of the healthcare delivery system that extends capacity and access, which includes the utilisation of advanced wearable technology to monitor patients. Qualified medical professionals can consult with patients by using video-conferencing tools. For example, telehealth visits, which offer real-time appointments, enable patients to consult with specialists, in addition to their primary care physician, in a single appointment to address their health concerns. Virtual appointments can be used as follow-up discussions for ongoing care, preventing risks that may occur when travelling to a medical office.
The increasing trend for an individual to stay within his or her residence and receive medical services at home has major financial implications for long-term care and senior living facilities. While there will likely continue to be a demand for in-patient care in a facility environment, both from a social and economic perspective, telemedicine could reduce the duration of the average stay at a facility, such as a short-term rehabilitation stay. Consequently, this may reduce the recent pace of expansion in the industry for new beds for the baby boomer generation. In addition to competing for resident admissions, facilities will be competing against home health companies collaborating with telehealth providers to deliver new home-based solutions. Lastly, telemedicine is reducing other costs to facilities by eliminating transportation and wages for chaperones to appointments, as more appointments are performed virtually.
In the future, it seems certain that telemedicine services will continue to increase. The uses and benefits of telemedicine are surpassing what so many thought could be possible. The pandemic is not only accelerating and broadening the adoption of telemedicine, it is being viewed as a catalyst for additional technology use.
However, new solutions bring new risks. By its very nature, telemedicine precludes face-to-face contact and physical examination, which means issues identifiable in a traditional healthcare setting may be overlooked.
Healthcare providers providing remote diagnoses and telemedicine services need to be sure their insurance extends to cover their new exposures.
Chis Gamber
Class Manager - Healthcare
Sources: gov.uk and The Guardian