In the age of
Digitalization, we have access to various information at our fingertips. Do you
believe the same when it comes to health care? A couple of decades back, remote
healthcare was considered impossible. But in today’s era technology has proven
that nothing is impossible.
What is Remote Healthcare – What is
Telehealth?
Telehealth uses
electronic information via telecommunication channels to support clinical
healthcare and support remotely. One can send still images to doctors for
consultation over the phone or can consult a doctor via video conferencing.
Various patient-centric mobile applications give quick and easy access to
healthcare. The earliest application of this concept of telehealth dates back
to the 1960s. It was used to monitor the physiological factors of astronauts.
In today’s time, telehealth is available for all thanks to the advancement of
technology.
Telehealth helps in the following ways:
· Easy access to healthcare for people living in
rural areas
· Access to medical specialists
· Access to easy and timely coordination and
follow-up with doctors
· Supports self-management of healthcare
What are the examples of Telehealth?
Portal for Patients
Using the patient
portal one can have access to a doctor and request a prescription. Schedule
appointments and review test results.
Virtual Appointments
One can fill up a
web-based questionnaire so that the doctors can review the answers and
prescribe medicines accordingly. This can be used for minor illnesses.
Remote Monitoring by Doctors
Blood glucose
levels, blood pressure, lung function – such readings can be taken via mobile
applications and send to doctors for monitoring purposes.
Electronic Health Records (EHR)
It is the
electronic records of patient’s healthcare. This is stored and updated on
regular basis. These can be easily retrieved in case of emergencies; these
records provide vital information about a patient’s health history.
How has technology helped in improving the
Healthcare System?
The invention and
use of Artificial Intelligence, Augmented
Reality, Virtual Reality,
Robotics, Nanotechnology in the healthcare system has changed the face of
healthcare.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial
Intelligence is used to process and maintain huge datasets of patient’s health
records. AI-powered Google DeepMind is used in breast cancer analysis. AI has
provided a major boost to clinical trials.
Virtual Reality
Companies have
developed software using Virtual Reality that helps to train future surgeons to
practice actual surgeries. VR is used as a distraction tool for patients to
lessen the pain and anxiety during surgeries. Reports show patients experience
improved healthcare experience.
Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality
is the future of medicine. Unlike virtual reality, augmented reality provides
enhanced information and details. AR-powered eyeglasses enhance the
capabilities of surgeons during surgery.
Digital Pathology
Lab technicians
have access to Digital pathology wherein information is gathered specimen
slides that are digitized. The reports can be shared with patients and doctors
digitally. This is an Artificial
Intelligence-powered cloud-based technology.
Mobile Applications
Various health
based-mobile applications are created on regular basis to check various health
parameters. You can monitor your blood pressure levels and keep a track of the
same. Any major fluctuations can be immediately sent to the doctor via the app.
You can take doctor’s appointments using mobile apps.
Wearable Healthcare Trackers
There are trackers
and sensors which are available to monitor a patient’s health and vitals like
sleep quality, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and more. These sensors and
trackers are wearable. These reports can be shared with doctors to check your
well-being.
Drawbacks of Telehealth
Telehealth is
beneficial in many ways but it still has a few limitations. Patients may have
gaps in their care because of fragmented care. There is always an issue of
overuse or inappropriate use of medicines. Few rural areas don’t have good
internet availability and hence people would find it hard to have access to
Telehealth. But these are minor bumps in the road to the technological
advancement of healthcare which can be smoothened by various digital
solutions.
Conclusion
Telehealth ensures
patients get their treatment at the right time whether they are closer to their
hometown or in any remote area. The people residing in rural areas have access
to healthcare professionals and specialists in real-time. The patient can
ensure he gets healthcare solutions at the earliest and also saves up on travel
costs and time. Easy access to quality healthcare at minimal cost is the reason
for the growth of Telehealth and it is here to stay and get more advanced with
passing time and latest technologies.
Aventior has been the front runner to offer Digital and Mobility solutions to the healthcare sector. We have designed
and developed telehealth and eCOA platforms that can be configured per sponsors
requirements. They provide cost-effective solutions that perform exceptionally
well for businesses and maximize their investments. To know more about our
telehealth and digital mobility solutions, write to us at info@aventior.com.
