Telehealth has been a topic of interest in the healthcare industry for a while now, but the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated its adoption like never before. From just 840,000 telehealth visits in 2019, the numbers skyrocketed to 52.7 million in 2020, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. In 2021, 37% of adults used telemedicine, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Forbes).
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth refers to the use of digital information and communication technologies to access healthcare services remotely. It's not just limited to video consultations; it also includes remote patient monitoring, decentralized clinical trials, and more.
Why Telehealth Matters
Telehealth offers a plethora of benefits, from increased accessibility to reduced healthcare costs. More than 80% of physicians believe that patients have better access to care since using telehealth, and 94% of patients who have had a telehealth encounter want to continue to have access to telehealth in the future (HBR).
How to Use Telehealth
Consultation: Use telehealth platforms to consult with healthcare providers without the need for a physical visit.
Remote Monitoring: Utilize connected medical devices and sensors to monitor health metrics from the comfort of your home.
Virtual Trials: Participate in decentralized clinical trials that don't require a physical presence.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While telehealth has made significant strides, challenges like technology integration, staffing shortages, and reimbursement issues persist. However, the technology is evolving, and new methods are being experimented with to expand virtual care (AMA).
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