~ Written by Prachur Khandelwal
In the modern world, technology's use has led to incredible advancements in multiple industries, including the medical sector. Telecommunication technologies have been utilized to eliminate unnecessary physical consultations and speed up reaction times to medical emergencies since the late 19th century. More so, telehealth's importance as a significant vehicle for delivering timely care over distance has become increasingly relevant as the world's healthcare needs are becoming overwhelmed by a substantial increase in chronic diseases. Additionally, in light of the recent COVID 19 pandemic, the healthcare industry's requirement to transform itself has significantly increased. This has led to a drastic increase in Telemedicine as a means for patients to receive treatment while minimizing interaction. However, many people are still unaware of this relatively new concept.
WHAT IS TELEMEDICINE?
Telemedicine is defined as "healing at a distance”. However, in a broader sense, the World Health Organization has defined Telemedicine as "The delivery of health care services, where distance is a critical factor, by all health care professionals using information and communication technologies for the exchange of valid information for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease and injuries, research and evaluation, and for the continuing education of health care providers, all in the interests of advancing the health of individuals and their communities." Being highly advantageous in the economic aspect and timesaving, this facility serves to increase patient engagement while increasing accessibility to healthcare services. As suggested by the variety in the definitions of this term, the field of Telemedicine is continuously evolving and adapting, using new online platforms such as Whatsapp and Zoom as mediums in addition to new technologies and apps to support its development.
ADVANTAGES OF TELEMEDICINE:
Telemedicine has several advantages: the primary reason for its increasing rise in recent years. These advantages include:
No expenditure on transportation: Since Telemedicine involves the use of online communication platforms, consultations done online do not require one to pay money for traveling to clinics. Furthermore, no time is wasted in traveling to the doctor's office, conserving a precious commodity.
Reduced chance of the spread of new illnesses: Hospitals and clinics have large influxes of ill people, a reason why they (despite the best sterilisation efforts) can become hotspots for the spread of illnesses. Hence, in the comfort of one's own home, you can save yourself from contracting new diseases and prevent the spread of the one you have. For example, during the pandemic, multiple patients in need of medical consultations have contacted doctors via telecommunication technologies, preventing themselves from going into a clinic where there is a large influx of Covid-19 patients.
More time-conserving: In addition to saving time by reducing the need for transportation, Telemedicine also reduces the time wasted in waiting rooms in a clinic.
Increased accessibility to preventive care to more number of patients: Patients with monetary or geographical impediments can still be entitled to access quality routine care which can benefit them in the long run.
LIMITATIONS TO TELEMEDICINE:
However, just like every coin has two sides, Telemedicine has several limitations as well. These include but are not limited to:
The trust level established between patient and doctor cannot reach the same extent as if it would in a physical consultation. Hence there is a reduced feeling of a "personal touch," leading to patients disliking this alternative
It requires special equipment on-site and hence requires an initial capital cost. Additionally, it relies on the patient having specific essential equipment such as blood pressure monitors. Without the information provided by these devices, it would be almost impossible for doctors to make the right diagnosis.
There are also technological limitations; for example, a doctor could not conduct an X-ray for a broken bone through Telemedicine. Hence, imaging and specific procedures require physical visits to hospitals and could not be undertaken through Telemedicine.
Lower protection of medical data: Since online consultations require patients to fill in their details. Online forums and apps, their details are left vulnerable to hacking.
Hence, Telemedicine has become a great boon as a substitute for physical consultations during this pandemic and has been useful to several developing countries where access to healthcare is not as convenient. Despite having a few limitations, it has the potential to replace the need for simple physical consultations for minor illnesses. Therefore, according to several sources such as WHO, Telemedicine is predicted to be on the rise.
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