Several factors contribute to limited access to health services in remote areas, such as rural areas, such as lower income, lack of transportation and inadequate health insurance.
These factors tend to push new medical graduates towards larger cities and metropolitan areas. But telemedicine is proving to be just what the doctor would prescribe to deal with the lack of healthcare providers.
While telemedicine technology was initially limited to audio and video conferences using tools such as Skype, today telemedicine platforms are capable of collecting patients' vital signs and other health data using connected devices.
The technology is also getting a boost from government control bodies, which are working on to promote telemedicine services for healthcare organizations in remote areaswith funding and subsidies to support investments in software and hardware.
This shows that government organizations see an opportunity for technology to improve patient outcomes and address gaps in care.
Modern telemedicine units add value to healthcare facilities in the short and long term
Nursing homes, for example, rely on doctors to visit them periodically to examine their residents with health problems. These visits ensure that the health needs of these patients are monitored and met.
However, in rural areas, elderly residents can't always receive frequent follow-ups, as doctors are often scarce. This is where telemedicine proves to be a viable solution that can bring in remote doctors to increase coverage and help those in need.
There is another advantage to adopting modern telehealth units in nursing homes that have several patients at high risk of falling. In the event of a fall accident, emergency telemedicine care with nurses can provide immediate access to doctors, without having to wait for them to arrive.
Some nurses trained in this type of care offer concussion assessment and other useful tests that doctors can use remotely to immediately assess the patient's condition.
What are some of the concerns about implementing telemedicine technology?
Implementing any new technology initiative requires planning, resources and, of course, funding.
Healthcare facilities located over long distances generally don't have a lot of money available to spend on technology and equipment upgrades, unless it's deemed necessary.
This represents an obstacle for many of them to implement telemedicine due to the need for some level of IT infrastructure around wireless, as well as the investment needed for medical devices, cameras and software.
Another expected obstacle for telemedicine technology is around changes to workflows and processes. These changes will require more time for staff training, as well as changes to various standard operating procedures for digital inclusion.
Finally, the technical challenges related to the lack of broadband access in rural areas can lead to low telemedicine adoption rates, as poor connectivity will result in a non-operational system.
Telemedicine may not solve all the health service shortages in remote areas, but it is proving to be a viable option for bringing specialists and other health professionals to patients without the need for their physical presence.
Realizing a digital future in healthcare after the COVID-19 pandemic
As the health sector strengthens its scientific arsenal, it also needs to recognize the new normal and implement emerging sustainable business models.
Frost & Sullivan published its forecasts for 2020 in December 2019 and, although some still stand, we must recognize the significant impact and changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This new vision for a digital future in healthcare for 2020 and beyond will not only focus on measuring the segment's resilience, identifying business continuity plans and highlighting the promise of digital technology, it will also explore the implementation framework and immediate opportunities for a smoother transition.
Globally, the health IT segment is expected to grow by almost 8%, due to the steady growth of the telemedicine market. But despite some technical gains, we still expect to lose US$ 45 billion in revenue and up to US$ 92 billion if things don't start to recover by the end of the second quarter of 2021.
By mid-2021, the health sector will return to its original growth trajectory, but this will depend on new opportunities. The use of telemedicine has been an important step towards this transformation.
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About Conversys
Conversys IT Solutions is a provider of Information and Communication Technology services and solutions operating throughout Brazil.
With a highly qualified technical and commercial team and a network of partners that includes the main global technology manufacturers, Conversys IT Solutions is able to deliver customized IT and Telecom Infrastructure solutions to clients.
We invest in our employees and partners and strive for a long-lasting relationship with our clients, because we believe that this is how we gain the skills and knowledge we need to innovate and generate value for the businesses in which we operate.
