Technology at our fingertips can create opportunities for advanced healthcare to those who may not be able to obtain it otherwise
A promising trend in healthcare is the growing field of telemedicine, which is rapidly expanding as access to technology becomes more available. This method of delivery of healthcare enables people, no matter where they live, to access specialized healthcare and information specific to their needs (Healthydebate.ca).
Access to technology and the availability of connectivity has created an avenue for many people to utilize the offerings of telemedicine. There is also a significant cost savings appreciated as time and distance factors are diminished (healthydebate.ca). Culturally appropriate care may be more easily attainable with the use of telemedicine services (Sandre & Newbold, 2016).
Telemedicine services are typically divided into two categories. One is “store and forward” communication, in which health data is transmitted to a provider for future assessment (Sahdev, 2016). The other category of telemedicine involves real-time communication by means of video or audio technology. The offerings include, but are not limited to: specialist consultation, psychiatric services, and chronic disease maintenance. By managing chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes through telemedicine, subtle changes in status can be tracked and treatment can be performed before there is a full blown exacerbation of the disease. Patients are less likely to call for emergency help if they have access to a health care professional to discuss changes in their health status through telemedicine services (Sahdev, 2016). Hospitalizations are also decreased with the use of telemedicine services (healthydebate.ca). Live two-way communication between providers can help decide which patients need to be transferred to higher levels of care in urgent situations (Sahdev, 2016). Advances such as robots with connected stethoscopes, ultrasound, dermatoscope, ophthamoloscope and otoscope capabilities enable specialists to perform physical assessments remotely with the help of a nurse guiding the instruments (healthydebate.ca). Non-urgent consultations through video conferencing can decrease unnecessary visits and long wait times in emergency rooms (WSJ, 2015).
Barriers to access of telemedicine are related to reimbursement policies (or lack thereof), privacy and confidentiality issues, as well as hesitancy from providers and consumers to try new avenues of access to healthcare (healthydebate.ca & WSJ, 2015). There are inherent challenges that come with the use of technology, such as poor resolution of images and interrupted connectivity (Luxton, Pruitt & Osenbach, 2014). Despite the challenges and roadblocks, I believe the offering of telemedicine could change the quality of healthcare for the underserved and vulnerable populations throughout the country.
References:
Healthydebate.ca: http://healthydebate.ca/2015/06/topic/telemedicine-across-canada
Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-future-of-medicine-is-in-your-smartphone-1420828632
Luxton, D., Pruit, L., & Osenbach, J. (2014). Practices for remote psychological assessment via telehealth technologies. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 45 (1), 27-35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/a0034547
Sahdev, H. (2016). Can I Skype my doctor? Limited Medicare coverage hinders telemedicine’s potential to improve healthcare access. Boston College Law Review, 57, 1813-1845. Retrieved from http://lawdigitalcommons.bc.edu/bclr/vol57/iss5/9
Sandre, A., & Newbold, K. (2016) Telemedicine: Bridging the gap between refugee health and health services accessibility in Hamilton, Ontario. Refuge (0229-5113), 32(3), 108-118.