by Telemedicine refers to the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access health care services remotely and manage long distance patient-clinician communications. It allows patients to receive advice, diagnoses, treatments, prescriptions and other healthcare services without physically visiting a nearby healthcare facility.
History and Growth of Telehealth
The concept of telemedicine began as early as in the late 1800s with the use of radiocommunications for medical consultations. However, it was not until the introduction of the internet in the 1990s that telemedicine found widespread applications. Telehealth was limited to teleconsultations using video calling or store-and-forward technologies. But today it encompasses a wide range of services including remote patient monitoring, mobile health and e-health. With advancements in telecommunications and digital health technologies, the use of telemedicine has grown exponentially over the past decade. According to recent reports, the global telemedicine market was valued at around $32 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach $185 billion by 2025 as awareness and adoption increases multifold.
Benefits of Telemedicine
Access to specialists – Telemedicine increases access to specialty care that may not be readily available locally, especially in remote and rural communities. It enables patients to consult doctors, nurses or other healthcare providers in major hospitals from their hometown itself via video conferencing.
Reduced travel cost and time – Patients need not travel long distances to visit doctors for follow ups or routine consultations when telemedicine services are available. This saves significant time, money and effort spent on travel especially for older adults or those with movement difficulties.
Avoids overcrowding of hospitals – Non-emergency cases can opt for telemedicine thus avoiding overcrowding of hospitals. This leads to better utilization of healthcare resources.
Convenience of virtual consultations – Telemedicine allows patients to consult doctors from the comfort of their homes without taking time off work. Online follow-ups make chronic care management more convenient.
Improved health outcomes – Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma etc. which require frequent monitoring can be better managed using remote patient monitoring devices, mobile apps and virtual visits over telemedicine. This leads to improved health outcomes.
Cost savings for payers – Preventing unnecessary emergency room visits and hospital readmissions through remote monitoring leads to cost savings for insurance companies and the overall healthcare system. Telemedicine can potentially lower total cost of care.
Challenges and Adoption Barriers
Internet connectivity – Reliable high-speed internet is essential for video consults and transmission of medical data. Poor connectivity in remote areas pose challenges for wider adoption of telemedicine.
Limited reimbursements – Currently most private and public health insurances in many countries do not adequately reimburse telemedicine services limiting its full potential.
Resistance to change – Adoption of new technologies require overcoming resistance to change from doctors focused only on in-person visits and patients unfamiliar with virtual consultations.
Interoperability issues – Lack of seamless exchange of health data between different telemedicine platforms and EMR systems leads to interoperability problems.
Privacy and security concerns – Safeguarding privacy of personal health info transmitted online and ensuring no security breaches undermine patient confidence in telemedicine. Robust security frameworks are needed.
Role of Telemedicine amid Covid-19
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the need for and adoption of telemedicine globally. With hospitals overwhelmed and lockdowns imposed, telemedicine emerged as a solution to provide non-Covid care remotely while avoiding exposure. Several policy changes were brought in to boost telemedicine uptake. For example, Medicare expanded coverage for telemedicine to all beneficiaries on a temporary basis. Many private insurers too relaxed restrictions and reimbursed telemedicine on par with in-person visits. This encouraged wider usage of telemedicine for consultations, monitoring vitals, e-prescriptions and remote care management of chronic conditions. The shift to virtual care delivery helped maintain continuity of non-Covid care while prioritizing physical distancing. Telemedicine is thus likely to remain an integral part of the changed healthcare landscape even post the pandemic.
The future of healthcare is digital and telemedicine is positioned at the centre of this technological transformation. As reliance on virtual care grows, areas like personalized remote monitoring, advanced AI applications, augmented reality and 5G technologies will further strengthen telemedicine capabilities going forward. With continued policy support, incentives for providers and overcoming connectivity barriers, telemedicine has huge potential to deliver equitable access to affordable quality healthcare for populations globally. If adopted widely, telemedicine can help alleviate doctor shortages, control soaring healthcare costs and improve health outcomes in an era of rising chronic diseases. The Covid-19 accelerated the transition to virtual care which will propel telemedicine to even greater heights in the coming years.
About Author - Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has an expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. LinkedIn Profile
