As telemedicine hardware and technology continues to play a major role in the fight against COVID-19, it’s important to note the sheer number of medical professionals who are taking advantage of these resources. While it might be tempting to label telemedicine as new and innovative, the truth is that this technology has been widely used across the medical industry for many years. For example, a number of physicians have been engaging in telemedicine to maintain continuity of care and wounds long before the rise of COVID-19.
Telemedicine is especially effective when serving patients in rural communities. Many dedicated physicians use telemedicine technology and hardware to treat over 30% of their patients. While the technology for proper telemedicine already existed before COVID-19, patients are starting to discover its benefits because of the limitations of the pandemic. While telemedicine makes treatment more convenient for both patients and wound care physicians, the overall quality of care does not decrease. Doctors who treat patients via telemedicine are still subject to proper medical licensing, qualifications, and many other requirements. And of course, the communications equipment itself must also be held to a high standard in order to deliver high-quality care.
The hardware, policy, and overall infrastructure to enable telemedicine was already in place when the pandemic broke out - especially in regard to rural areas. Specialized physicians (such as wound care experts) were among the most notable medical professionals that utilized this system to care for rural patients, since these communities don’t always have access to specialists and doctors who fall outside the scope of normal medical treatment.
The important role of telemedicine hardware and systems cannot be understated. Before technological advances allowed telemedicine to become a viable source of care for rural communities, less able medical professionals were forced to take the role of specialists. For example, a nurse may have been forced to act as a wound care specialist despite having inadequate training, simply because the nearest wound care physician was too far away.
New advances in telemedicine devices and technology will continue to make it easier for both patients and physicians to receive and deliver quality care. There are a number of notable medical companies that are leading the charge when it comes to telemedicine advances. From mobile ECG meters to apps and specialized tablets, the door is being flung open for new manufacturing and technological developments in the medical industry.
With these new developments, both nurses and physicians are able to focus more on their assigned roles, while wound care doctors and other specialists can be accessed as needed via telemedicine. The introduction of this technology makes the entire medical system more efficient, and it takes a weight off the shoulders of our hard working nurses and physicians.
These types of apps, platforms, and hardware also require very little training to be used effectively by medical professionals. Most people today are familiar with video conferencing apps like FaceTime, and it has become a common means of communication. This means that the transition that both patients and doctors make to telemedicine is often a seamless one.
This ease of use also makes the implementation of telemedicine hardware easy. For example, patients at long-term care (LTC facilities) can easily make the switch to telemedicine with the introduction of tablets or by simply installing an app on a smartphone.
Although this might seem like a simple fix, there is plenty of room for more innovation with the implementation of telemedicine in areas like LTC facilities. New devices could work in tandem with the existing telemedical framework to provide better functionality. For example, mobile testing devices and kits could provide more accurate diagnoses going forward, especially if they offer adequate internet connectivity.
New apps and platforms are also important as the shift towards telemedicine continues. The hardware and infrastructure itself is nothing without user-friendly, functional software that both doctors and patients can utilize. Some of the most effective apps allow patients to experience the full potential of telemedicine. These telehealth platforms run on everyday technology to quickly connect patients to speciality care providers.
With a database of some of the world’s leading wound care specialists, patients can make use of fast-scheduling software to improve clinical outcomes. New apps also reduce costs associated with hospitalization. Using these apps, patients can receive consultations and treatment recommendations for virtually any type of wound imaginable. These include pressure ulcers, diabetic foot wounds, venous ulcers, and much more.
Data from across the globe suggests that many patients actually begin to prefer telemedicine to in-person visits after getting used to the process. The same is true for physicians and medical professionals, who find that telemedicine creates few limitations compared to in-person appointments. Although providing hands-on wound care at the patient’s bedside is clearly ideal, telemedicine is the next best thing - and results can be just as effective.
Telemedicine devices, software, and technology also reduce the burden on our hospitals. By scheduling a consultation with an app, patients can reduce the need to visit a hospital in the future significantly. The fact that these patients no longer need to commute to their nearest hospital not only makes things more convenient, but it also increases everyone’s safety by limiting the spread of the coronavirus.
Data has shown that some advanced telemedicine models can create a 21-day improvement in healing time, a 90% reduction in limb loss, an 88% reduction in wound-related hospitalizations, and average savings of almost $20,000 per patient in terms of Medicare. With further investments in telemedicine technology and devices, the entire medical industry can reduce its costs and offer higher-quality care for a wider range of patients.
0 Comments