Telehealth: Is it a promising future?

The future of telehealth is ready for significant growth and innovation, driven by technological advancements and evolving healthcare delivery models. Beyond basic primary care services, telehealth is expected to expand its various specialties such as mental health, dermatology, and cardiology, offering patients access to a broader range of health care services remotely. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms will play a crucial role, aiding in diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and predictive analytics. Additionally, virtual reality and augmented reality technologies will enhance the health care experience by providing immersive environments for patient education and therapy sessions (Association, 2023).

Following are some promising practices and strategies for leveraging tele health, ensuring continuity of care, and enhancing connected health experiences:

1.      Remote monitoring devices: integration of remote monitoring devices such as wearable fitness trackers, blood pressure monitors, and glucose meters allow for continuous monitoring of patient’s vital signs and health metrics (McElroy et al., 2020).

2.      Telemedicine platforms: user friendly telemedicine platforms facilitate virtual consultations between patients and health care providers, enabling timely access to medical advice, prescription, and follow up care (Association, 2023).

3.      Acute and chronic care: telehealth technology will provide both hospital level and chronic care level care to the patients who don't have the means or the accessibility to travel (Association, 2023).

By leveraging these promising practices and innovation in telehealth and connected health tech, the health care organizations can enhance care delivery, improved patient outcomes, and drive greater efficiencies across the continuum of care.

References:

Association, A. M. (2023, January 9). What to expect in telehealth in 2023? Here are 5 predictions. American Medical Association. https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/digital/what-expect-telehealth-2023-here-are-5-predictions

McElroy, J. A., Day, T. M., & Becevic, M. (2020). The influence of telehealth for better health across communities. Preventing Chronic Disease, 17, E64. https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd17.200254