Although the world was already moving towards telemedicine before Covid-19, it was the pandemic that forced humanity’s hand into seeking ways in which doctors could diagnose and treat their patients from a safe distance. It is through the wonders of digital technology that Virtual Medicine can mitigate the spread of the coronavirus by providing an optional way to touch base with medical practitioners without having to expose patients to the added risk of Covid-19 infection. This has given rise to a lot of exciting possibilities that can help improve the medical practice. Following are five interesting telemedicine trends that promise to not only improve the way information is relayed from one person to another, but also serve to make happier experiences.
- Digital Reception – Real life reception rooms have always been dull – spaces where patients wait in line for their turn to see the doctor. One of the best applications of digital technology is the ability to make use of waiting time by creating digital reception rooms that give a patient something to do as they wait. This could be anything from allotting them time to fill out online forms or even providing a section wherein patients can search for information relevant to their conditions until it is time for them to actually “see” the doctor. Another possibility is allowing patients to communicate with each other in a chatroom-like setting as you all wait for your turns. Not only does this kill boredom by giving you something to do, but it also provides a platform for social activities with other people from the comfort of everybody’s homes.
- Custom Avatars – Not everybody is comfortable showing their true form – so it has been proven that the ability to create customized avatars for digital communication is a popular way for people to connect online. Allowing people to personalize the way they are represented on screen makes for easier and more relaxed discussion. It also puts patients at ease by making doctors less intimidating and more approachable, freeing up the flow of necessary information from patient to doctor, and vice versa.
- Closed Captions For Better Understanding – Because of Covid-19, many doctors need to wear facemasks during telemedicine sessions because of the locations of their offices being exposed to such threats. Other times, patients also find themselves outside of their homes during a session, and therefore also need to wear facemasks. These instances can make it hard at times to understand what is being said during video calls. The solution is to incorporate captions or subtitles that can clarify what is being said so that there are less errors in communication between patient and physician. Another positive effect of using captions during virtual visits is that deaf and/or hearing-impaired patients will be able to understand what doctors are saying – as well as use chatroom functions to get their message across.
- Easier Insight Into Patient Living – The nice thing about virtual visitation is that it can lend physicians an insight into a patient’s reality at home. Patients can give doctors a tour of their living spaces and reveal things that would otherwise be a mystery – such as how medical supplies are stored or the contents of their refrigerators. Physicians may also schedule exercise routines and watch their patients accomplish them in real-time, exercising better control over their treatment from a distance.
- Remote Monitoring – Technologies exist today that allow for doctors to remotely monitor their patients with things like digital heart monitors, glucose monitors, and more. If a health event arises that requires immediate medical attention, doctors can be informed within seconds and preparations can be made for emergency transport. This system can save time, and therefore lives, by keeping tabs on a patient’s condition around the clock – a true improvement from the days wherein an actual face-to-face visit was required to diagnose and identify health problems.
Stay tuned for the latest medical practice trends and updates in America and the world – and if you are looking for the easiest path to compliant QME reporting, look no further. Send us a message at TukkoMed today and we will show you how.