Telehealth has emerged as an effective solution for safety and precaution amid the coronavirus pandemic. It is during such times that people are embracing the benefits of distant care delivery as it has proven to be safe, both for the patients and caregivers. Telehealth allows patients, mostly the symptomatic, to stay at home and still get the chance to communicate with their physicians while getting the same care quality as they would in a person-to-person meeting. This has played a massive role in curbing the spread of the coronavirus, and with time, many hospitals might adopt this technology even past the pandemic.
If you are contemplating starting a telehealth business, but you are not sure if this is the right time, here are some ways in which the idea is promoting safe care delivery during COVID-19.
Patients’ Safety
Telehealth is a super-efficient way of protecting patients from exposure to the virus. With this technology, there are minimum interactions. This means that those that do not have the virus are not at risk of contracting it. One way to integrate telehealth to protect patients is to use it in place of the conventional in-person visits for issues that are not related to COVID-19 and cannot wait. For example, individuals with chronic illnesses will still require regular medication monitoring and checkups. With telehealth, they do not have to travel to the hospital for their weekly or monthly checkups. They can receive the same treatment and care from their homes’ comfort, thus avoiding exposure to the virus, unlike during in-person appointments where safety is never guaranteed.
The other way in which telehealth can boost patients’ safety is by using it to perform initial evaluation and triage to symptomatic COVID-19 patients. These processes are conducted online hence protecting other patients from coming into contact with the infected persons.
Healthcare Providers’ Safety
Besides protecting patients, telehealth plays a considerable role in ensuring the safety of care providers. Keeping in mind that physicians and nurses are still humans and can contract the virus, they must take the necessary precautions to protect themselves. With video conferencing and remote diagnostic tools, providers can easily employ telehealth to evaluate patients without direct contact. They can also offer medication and treatment on-site. Telehealth utilizes remote monitoring technologies that help to facilitate treatments while minimizing in-person encounters with patients. This ensures that your healthcare facility remains operational amid the pandemic, and you do not have to worry about putting your health at risk.
Coronavirus is a scary thought, mainly due to how fast it is transmitted. Patients with COVID-19 unrelated issues are reluctant to go to the hospital due to the fear of contracting the virus, which puts their health at a higher risk. Telehealth is here to offer them a reliable solution without leaving their home’s safety, thus protecting themselves and their loved ones. The same case applies to caregivers. This is the best time to shine in business. Try out the idea and help curb the spread of the virus.
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