How Telehealth is Bridging Gaps and Bringing Healthcare to Underserved Communities
Health clinics are important as they provide a means to solve health issues. But, not all communities have access to nearby health clinics. One common reason tends to be that these communities are very far from these health centers. The result is that they don’t get the healthcare services they need.
Telehealth is revolutionizing healthcare, helping bridge gaps in access that have traditionally held back underserved communities. From rural areas to inner-city neighborhoods, telehealth technology is bringing medical professionals into the homes of people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to see a doctor.
Through the use of secure video chats, online portals, and even mobile apps, people can now consult with a healthcare provider without ever having to leave the comfort of their own home.
What is Telehealth?
(Image from Modern Healthcare)
Let’s get to know what Telehealth is first. Telehealth is the use of communication devices to access healthcare services. This includes the usage of computers and mobile devices. With the power of computers and mobile devices, patients from far-flung corners can consult with their primary care doctor remotely via phone.
Telehealth has the following goals in mind for the patient:
- Makes health care more accessible to more people.
- Offers primary care for a lot of medical conditions
- Provide a readily-accessible way to contact a general practitioner or medical specialist
- Offers advice for patients in self-management of their health
- Improves communication between health clinics and patients
How is Telehealth bridging and bringing healthcare to communities?
As stated earlier, Telehealth has become the catalyst for making healthcare more accessible. Patients who once had trouble accessing primary health care services now get the help they need. But, Telehealth has done more than easy access to health care clinics and services. Here they are as listed:
- Closes the Gap Between Patients and Providers
- As mentioned earlier, telehealth allows a readily-accessible means of communicating between patients and doctors. The main issue with rural areas according to here is that they lack health care resources. In the US alone, over 120 rural hospitals have closed down due to this dilemma.
- To ease this issue, Telehealth has become a means for rural citizens to communicate with specialists. A patient can now book a video appointment for health updates. There are now also biometric apps that allow health monitoring to go with the appointments.
- Eliminates Commuting Expenses and Cuts Costs
- Another way how Telehealth connects communities is by removing the need to commute. As said earlier, patients can book a video appointment with their primary care doctor. There’s no need for them to commute through many means of transport to reach the health clinic.
- On average, an appointment through Telehealth is cheaper than a normal appointment. This is not yet factoring in the commute expenses. An example is that an appointment through Telehealth is $38, whereas an in-person appointment would likely cost close to $114.
- Removes the Issue of Healthcare Worker Shortages
- Rural health clinics often face the problem of staff shortage. There are not enough doctors or nurses to entertain the rural populace’s healthcare needs. Also from this source, rural communities form 65% of the areas that lack a primary health doctor or a clinic.
- Telehealth alleviates the problem of healthcare worker shortages. This is through having a readily accessible channel of remote communication. This channel is where the patient will voice their health concerns. As for the health care provider, they’ll provide a solution.
- Improves Healthcare Quality and Continuity
- Telehealth is the key to continuous treatment. If it’s done in a timely manner, it builds up a long-term relationship between doctor and patient. Patients who suffer from chronic illnesses in particular benefit largely from Telehealth.
- The other ways Telehealth bridges gaps in health care are listed here:
- First off, hospitalizations are fewer and shorter. Since the primary care doctor is often checking on the patient. If ever a recurring condition shows up, the issue gets resolved before it gets worse.
- Second, patient satisfaction is improved. Because of fewer instances of hospitalization, patients are happy with the health care provided. As a result, they express their contentment with healthcare services.
- Provides Long-Term Health Care for Seniors
- Another demographic that benefits from Telehealth is senior citizens. Like people with chronic illnesses, seniors need extra attention to their healthcare. Telehealth not only provides cheaper access to a primary care doctor. It also gives them an easier alternative for an appointment.
(Image from Health Care IT News)
Telehealth has proven itself as a very strong tool to link communities to health experts. What was previously inaccessible to rural communities is now within reach. The technology for this means of health care is still being polished. There’s a possibility that we could see it being more refined in the future.
A few caveats to note
Admittedly, Telehealth is a potent tool to connect communities to a general physician or practitioner. It does come with some limitations though, some would require the rural community to do it. Here are some of the caveats of Telehealth:
- Broadband Availability
- While Telehealth is a powerful tool for improving health, not everyone has access to it. Not all rural areas or towns have a decent broadband reach. Because the areas aren’t also densely populated; broadband providers aren’t too attracted to develop them there.
- Take note that good broadband reach is needed in Telehealth. The doctor will have an easier time updating your vital signs remotely if you don’t lag.
- Lack Of Tech Literacy
- Rural areas aren’t known for their savviness in technology. As a result, they won’t know the ins and outs of booking a Telehealth appointment. They’ll need orientation first on how to do it.
In spite of these few drawbacks, Telehealth has seen some notable advances. Many regions have recently initiated broadband development initiatives, aiming to provide rural areas with improved internet access. As a consequence, these communities can now take full advantage of the immense potential of Telehealth.
In Summary
Telehealth is making strides in bridging the healthcare gap and bringing quality care to underserved communities. By providing access to healthcare experts virtually, telehealth allows a person’s location to no longer define their level of healthcare.
It is connecting diverse populations and transforming how primary care, specialists visits, and mental health services are delivered. Telehealth is becoming a game changer for those who have found it difficult to receive quality healthcare due to physical, financial, or language barriers.
How Telehealth is Bridging Gaps and Bringing Healthcare to Underserved Communities
