Future of Telehealth, Hybrid Care After the Public Health Emergency
Telehealth utilization skyrocketed after the pandemic and has since evolved into hybrid care.
Source: Getty Images
November 21, 2023 – Now that the coronavirus pandemic has become more manageable, how has the evolution of telehealth taken shape and how can the industry improve hybrid care?
When the coronavirus pandemic gripped the nation and in-person care grinded to a halt, telehealth was the natural substitute. In Medicare alone, telehealth use shot up by 6,067 percent from 2019 to 2020. In 2021, telehealth use was stable at 38 times the rate of pre-pandemic utilization.
But as the public health emergency ended and the tool became more of a fixture of the healthcare system, utilization evolved and hybrid modalities came to the fore, blending in-person and telehealth care.
In this episode of Industry Perspectives, Frank McGillin, chief executive office at The Clinic by Cleaveland Clinic, covers a range of topics including hybrid care, finding a good partner for joint ventures, and the latest from The Clinic.
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Monthly Newsletter
September 2023
In this issue:
We will introduce WHS Foundation to our potential valued subscribers.
Dear Potential Valued Subscribers,
I hope this newsletter finds you well. As a new foundation, I wanted to take a moment to introduce our foundation its mission and vision to you.
WHS Foundation is a charitable organization based in Canada our mission is to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality through the innovative use of telemedicine and telehealth technologies, bridging geographical gaps and providing convenient, patient-centered care that improves outcomes and enriches live and our vision is to empower individuals and communities by making healthcare services easily accessible, regardless of location, while fostering a culture of digital healthcare excellence that sets a global standard for telemedicine practices.
In this month’s newsletter, we are excited to introduce you to Telemedicine and Telehealth, their benefits and how it is improving and enriching healthcare delivery.
Thank you in advance for being a part of our journey.
Sincerely,
CEO, World Health Solutions Foundation.
We are thrilled to introduce to you our September issue of our newsletter which thoroughly explains Telemedicine and telehealth and its numerous benefits that have made them increasingly popular in recent years. Here are some of the key advantages:
Learn more on our website and stay tuned for an exclusive offer for our newsletter subscribers.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine is a method of providing medical care and healthcare services remotely using telecommunications technology. It allows healthcare professionals to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients without the need for an in-person visit. Telemedicine encompasses a wide range of healthcare services, including:
- Video Conferencing: Patients can have real-time video consultations with doctors, specialists, or other healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes. This is particularly useful for routine check-ups, follow-up appointments, and discussing non-emergency medical concerns.
- Phone Consultations: Healthcare providers can offer medical advice and guidance over the phone. This is often used for discussing symptoms, providing initial recommendations, or answering questions about medications.
- Text Messaging and Chat: Patients can communicate with healthcare professionals through text messages or online chat platforms. This is useful for simple medical queries, medication reminders, or discussing non-urgent matters.
- Remote Monitoring: Patients can use various medical devices, such as wearable sensors or home monitoring equipment, to collect and transmit health data to healthcare providers. This allows for the continuous monitoring of chronic conditions or recovery progress.
- Store-and-Forward: In this method, patients send their medical records, images, or other relevant information to healthcare providers for review at a later time. This is often used in specialties like radiology and dermatology for diagnostic purposes.
- Online Portals and Apps: Many healthcare providers offer secure online platforms and mobile apps where patients can access their medical records, schedule appointments, and communicate with their healthcare team.
Telehealth
Telehealth is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of healthcare services and activities delivered remotely using telecommunications technology. While telemedicine specifically refers to the remote provision of clinical healthcare services, telehealth is a more encompassing term that includes both clinical and non-clinical healthcare services provided at a distance. Here are some key components of telehealth:
- Clinical Consultations: Telehealth includes clinical services similar to those provided in traditional healthcare settings, such as telemedicine consultations with doctors, nurses, specialists, and therapists. These services can involve videoconferencing, phone calls, or other digital communication methods.
- Remote Monitoring: Telehealth also covers remote patient monitoring. Patients can use various medical devices to track and transmit health data, such as vital signs, blood glucose levels, or activity levels, to healthcare providers for real-time assessment. This is particularly valuable for managing chronic conditions and post-surgery recovery.
- Behavioral Health Services: Mental health and behavioral health counseling and therapy can be delivered through telehealth platforms, offering patients access to psychological support and counseling from licensed professionals via video calls or other secure communication channels.
- Patient Education and Engagement: Telehealth platforms can be used to provide patients with educational resources, preventive health information, and tools to engage in their healthcare management, such as medication reminders and lifestyle guidance.
- Administrative and Non-Clinical Services: Telehealth can extend to administrative functions, including appointment scheduling, billing and insurance processing, and electronic health record management. This streamlines healthcare operations and improves the patient experience.
- Teledentistry: Dental consultations and oral health assessments can also be conducted remotely, allowing patients to receive advice and recommendations from dental professionals without visiting a dental clinic in person.
- Telepharmacy: Telehealth can be utilized for medication management and counseling, where pharmacists offer guidance on medication usage, potential side effects, and drug interactions via video calls or phone consultations.
Benefits of Telemedicine and Telehealth
1. Improved Access to Healthcare:
Telemedicine eliminates geographic barriers, making it easier for people in rural or underserved areas to access medical care. Patients no longer need to travel long distances to see a healthcare provider.
2. Convenience:
Telemedicine provides a convenient way for patients to consult with healthcare professionals. They can receive medical advice, prescriptions, and even certain treatments from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for in-person visits.
3. Reduced Wait Times:
Traditional healthcare settings often involve long wait times for appointments and in waiting rooms. Telemedicine appointments can often be scheduled more quickly, reducing wait times for patients.
4. Cost-Effective:
Telehealth services can be more cost-effective for both patients and healthcare providers. Patients save money on travel, parking, and other associated costs, while providers can reduce overhead related to physical facilities.
5. Time Savings:
Telemedicine eliminates the need for patients to take time off work or spend hours traveling to and from appointments. This time-saving aspect is especially beneficial for busy individuals.
6. Continuity of Care:
Telehealth allows for more frequent and convenient follow-up appointments, improving the continuity of care. Patients can maintain regular contact with their healthcare providers, leading to better health outcomes.
7. Access to Specialists:
Telemedicine can connect patients with specialists and subspecialists who may not be available locally. This enables patients to receive specialized care without traveling long distances.
8. Reduced Exposure to Illnesses:
Telemedicine can help reduce the risk of exposure to contagious diseases, especially important during pandemics or when patients have compromised immune systems.
9. Monitoring Chronic Conditions:
Telehealth can facilitate remote monitoring of chronic conditions, allowing healthcare providers to track patients’ vital signs, medication adherence, and symptoms in real time.
10. Health Education:
Telehealth platforms can provide patients with access to educational resources, videos, and interactive tools to help them better understand their conditions and treatment options.
11. Faster Consultations:
For non-emergency situations, telemedicine consultations can often be conducted more efficiently than in-person visits, allowing healthcare providers to see more patients in a given timeframe.
12. Reduced No-Shows:
Patients may be more likely to keep their appointments when they are conducted through telemedicine because of the convenience factor, reducing the number of missed appointments.
13. Enhanced Data Collection:
Telehealth platforms can collect and analyze patient data over time, leading to better insights into population health and the effectiveness of treatments.
14. Healthcare Equity:
Telemedicine can help bridge healthcare disparities by providing access to care for underserved communities, people with disabilities, and those who face barriers to traditional healthcare access.
Telemedicine and telehealth offer many benefits, the only disadvantage is that; they are not suitable for all medical situations. For example; Emergency cases, serious injuries, and surgeries typically require in-person care. However, for many routine check-ups, consultations, and ongoing care, telemedicine can provide a valuable and convenient option for patients and healthcare providers alike.
Even as in-person mental health service utilization slowed during the pandemic, telemental healthcare use soared 1,068 percent higher than pre-pandemic levels.
The ability to monitor certain aspects of a patient’s health from their own home has become an increasingly popular telehealth option. Remote patient monitoring lets providers manage acute and chronic conditions. And it cuts down on patients’ travel costs and infection risk.
How to use remote patient monitoring with telemedicine & telehealth
Remote patient monitoring pairs well with telemedicine & telehealth when patients need to be monitored for certain health conditions. It can also prevent health complications in patients who aren’t able to easily travel.
There are many symptoms and conditions that can be tracked through remote patient monitoring, including:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Weight loss or gain
- Heart conditions
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Sleep apnea
- Asthma
Many of the devices that patients will use may be familiar to them, including:
- Weight scales
- Pulse oximeters
- Blood glucose meters
- Blood pressure monitors
Title:
Proposal for World Health Solutions Foundation Telemedicine Pilot Project in Ghana
1. Introduction:
We are pleased to present a proposal for World Health Solutions Foundation telemedicine pilot project in Ghana. This initiative aims to leverage technology to improve access to healthcare services in underserved areas of the country. Through the use of telecommunication and digital platforms, we intend to provide remote medical consultations, diagnosis, and treatment, thereby addressing the healthcare challenges faced by the population. This proposal outlines the objectives, implementation plan, and expected outcomes of the telemedicine pilot project.
2. Objectives:
The primary objectives of the telemedicine pilot project in Ghana are as follows:
a. Improve Healthcare Access: Provide remote medical consultations and services to individuals residing in underserved areas, reducing geographical barriers to quality healthcare.
b. Enhance Healthcare Efficiency: Streamline healthcare delivery by reducing waiting times, optimizing healthcare resources, and enabling efficient remote consultations and treatments.
c. Increase Health Awareness: Conduct health education programs, raising awareness about preventive healthcare measures, disease management, and healthy lifestyle practices.
3. Target Areas:
The telemedicine pilot project will primarily target underserved regions in Ghana, where access to quality healthcare is limited. We will collaborate with local healthcare facilities, community leaders, and telecommunication providers to identify and select the target areas.
4. Implementation Plan:
Implementation Plan for Pilot Telemedicine and Telehealth Project in Ghana
4.1. Project Overview:
a. Name: Pilot Telemedicine and Telehealth Project in Ghana
b. Objective: To improve healthcare accessibility and delivery by leveraging telemedicine and telehealth technologies in Ghana.
c. Duration: 12 months
d. Project Partners: Ministry of Health, local healthcare providers, telecommunication companies, and technology vendors.
4.2. Needs Assessment:
a. Conduct a thorough needs assessment in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and local healthcare providers to identify the specific healthcare challenges in Ghana.
b. Identify target regions or communities with limited access to healthcare facilities and specialists.
c. Analyze existing infrastructure, internet connectivity, and technology adoption rates.
4.3. Stakeholder Engagement:
a. Engage key stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare providers, telecommunication companies, and technology vendors.
b. Establish partnerships and secure necessary agreements for collaboration, data sharing, and infrastructure support.
4.4. Infrastructure Setup:
a. Assess the existing telecommunication infrastructure and internet connectivity in the target regions.
b. Collaborate with telecommunication companies to enhance network coverage and internet connectivity in the pilot areas.
c. Set up telecommunication hubs in selected healthcare facilities to serve as telemedicine centers.
d. Equip the telemedicine centers with necessary hardware, software, and communication tools.
5. Technology Implementation:
a. Identify and implement a telemedicine platform that suits the specific requirements of the project.
b. Train healthcare providers on how to use the telemedicine platform effectively.
c. Ensure interoperability and integration of the telemedicine platform with existing healthcare systems and electronic health records.
5.1. Service Delivery:
a. Establish guidelines and protocols for telehealth consultations, remote monitoring, and patient data management.
b. Train healthcare providers on delivering telehealth services, including remote diagnosis, consultation, and prescribing medication.
c. Educate patients on how to access and use telehealth services.
d. Establish a 24/7 telehealth helpline for patient inquiries and support.
5.2. Monitoring and Evaluation:
a. Set up a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the impact of the telemedicine project.
b. Collect data on key performance indicators such as patient satisfaction, healthcare accessibility, cost savings, and health outcomes.
c. Analyze the collected data regularly and make necessary adjustments to improve the project’s effectiveness.
5.3. Scaling Up:
a. Evaluate the pilot project’s success and identify areas for improvement.
b. Develop a roadmap for scaling up the telemedicine and telehealth project across Ghana.
c. Collaborate with the government, healthcare providers, and telecommunication companies to secure funding and resources for the expanded project.
5.4. Public Awareness and Education:
a. Launch a public awareness campaign to educate communities about the benefits and usage of telemedicine and telehealth services.
b. Conduct workshops, seminars, and community outreach programs to address any concerns or misconceptions about telemedicine.
5.5. Sustainability:
a. Develop a sustainability plan to ensure the long-term viability of the telemedicine project.
b. Explore funding options, including public-private partnerships and donor support.
c. Advocate for policy changes and regulatory frameworks that support telemedicine and telehealth integration into the healthcare system.
6. Project Documentation and Knowledge Sharing:
a. Document the project implementation process, lessons learned, and best practices.
b. Share project outcomes, success stories, and challenges with relevant stakeholders and the global telemedicine community.
6.1a. Infrastructure Setup:
– Establish telemedicine centers equipped with necessary medical devices, high-speed internet, and video conferencing facilities.
– Collaborate with local healthcare facilities to set up telemedicine hubs and train healthcare professionals to deliver remote consultations.
6.1b. Technology Integration:
– Develop a secure telemedicine platform that ensures confidentiality and privacy of patient data.
– Provide healthcare professionals with access to the telemedicine platform and train them on its usage.
6.1c. Training and Capacity Building:
– Conduct training programs for healthcare professionals on telemedicine practices, including virtual consultations, remote diagnosis, and treatment methods.
– Organize workshops for community members to raise awareness about telemedicine services and educate them on how to use the platform effectively.
6.1d. Service Delivery:
– Offer teleconsultation services, enabling patients to connect with healthcare professionals remotely.
– Facilitate remote diagnosis, prescription, and monitoring of patients’ health conditions.
– Collaborate with local pharmacies for medication delivery and follow-up care.
6.1e. Health Education and Awareness:
– Conduct virtual health education programs targeting the community, emphasizing preventive care, disease management, and healthy lifestyle practices.
– Utilize social media platforms, local radio stations, and community outreach programs to disseminate health-related information.
7. Partnerships and Collaboration:
To ensure the success of the telemedicine pilot project, we propose engaging in partnerships and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including:
– Local healthcare facilities and professionals.
– Government agencies and ministries responsible for healthcare.
– Telecommunication companies for connectivity and technical support.
– Non-governmental organizations working in the healthcare sector.
– Community leaders and organizations to facilitate community engagement.
8. Monitoring and Evaluation:
Regular monitoring and evaluation will be conducted to assess the effectiveness and impact of the telemedicine pilot project. Key metrics to be measured include:
– Number of teleconsultations conducted.
– Patient satisfaction and feedback.
– Reduction in waiting times and travel costs.
– Improvement in health outcomes.
– Community awareness and adoption of telemedicine services.
9. Sustainability Plan:
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the project beyond the pilot phase, we propose exploring the following strategies:
– Collaborate with local healthcare facilities and the government to integrate telemedicine into existing healthcare systems.
– Seek funding opportunities from international organizations, foundations, and corporate sponsors.
– Establish partnerships with health insurance providers to include telemedicine services in coverage plans.
– Foster community engagement and ownership through the formation of local telemedicine committees.
10. Budget:
A detailed budget will be prepared, outlining the costs associated with infrastructure setup, technology development, training, service delivery, and awareness campaigns. We will seek funding through grants, donations, and partnerships with organizations aligned with the project’s goals.
11. Conclusion:
The proposed telemedicine pilot project in Ghana aims to address the healthcare challenges faced by underserved communities through innovative technology solutions. By providing remote consultations, diagnosis, and treatment, we strive to improve healthcare access, efficiency, and overall health outcomes. We look forward to partnering with relevant stakeholders to bring this project to fruition and positively impact the lives of individuals in Ghana.
Some of the areas WHS Foundation hopes to promote Telemedicine and Telehealth Technology will be:
- Rural Clinics
- Correctional Facilities
- Community Health Centers
- School-Based Health Clinics
- Mobile Health Vans (Telemedicine-Ready Ambulances)
- Government Healthcare/Hospitals
- Shipping And Transportation
- Oil Rigs And Mining Fields
- Long-Term Care Facilities
- Telemedicine service Providers