Breaking barriers: Telemedicine brings healthcare home!

Telemedicine has the potential to be very beneficial in my field of elderly care within the community hospitals of Worcestershire by bringing healthcare to the patient. I frequently meet patients who are unable to keep hospital appointments, this might be harmful because monitoring and diagnostics are only available in a clinic or hospital setting.

Medical experts may now treat patients from the convenience of their homes thanks to technological advancements. With the use of electronic communication technologies like video conferencing and texting, doctors may diagnose and treat patients remotely in the rapidly expanding area of telemedicine.

Patients who live with chronic disease also benefit hugely from telemedicine, it reduces inconvenient hospital appointments yet enables them to still feel supported and in touch with their healthcare provider. This ability to engage in remotely has benefits for medication compliance and can improve outcomes in chronic conditions.

Remote Monitoring

Four criteria should be met for true remote monitoring.

1. That is the Data is collected remotely
2. The date is transmitted to a different location
3. The data is evaluated by the healthcare providers
4. Insights gained and interventions communicated back to the patients

Examples of true remote monitoring would be:

• A patient with high blood pressure sending data to their physician and receiving a medication change in response to the analysis.
• A diabetic patient sending data regarding their blood glucose to a endocrinologist and receiving medication changes, insulin adjustment as a result
• A patient living with Parkinson’s disease, wearing a sensor that detects worsening bradykinesia (slowing up) and the data being transmitted to a neurologist.

Remote Monitoring in Diabetes

• Telehealth allows for continuous monitoring, providing clinicians with a 24-hour profile and a better understanding of the patient’s state.
• Digital health technologies can assist patients in losing weight, lowering blood pressure, and engaging in other good behaviours that can help them avoid diabetes.
• Patients may even connect with support groups from the comfort of their own homes, exchanging exercise and dietary tips to better their overall health.
• The same self-use blood glucose metres that patients use at home are increasingly employed in hospitals to decrease patient contacts with clinicians. Not only does this reduce COVID-19 exposure, but it also assists providers in rationing their personal protective equipment (PPE).
• The built-in wireless data transmission capabilities improve provider insights and assist them in better managing their patients’ illnesses, lowering their risk of becoming dangerously sick with Covid-19.

Great video explaining the fantastic Libre system in type 1 diabetic patient

Podcast on Remote Monitoring in Heart Failure Patients

Great podcast about remote monitoring in Heart Failure patients

Remote Monitoring in Cystic Fibrosis Clinics

Many of the principles discussed in this short video are applicable to many chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, asthma, rheumatoid conditions.

Say Goodbye to Waiting Rooms

The above examples, which are just a few of many, illustrate  the major benefits of telemedicine. Patients can log onto a telemedicine platform and connect with a healthcare professional at their convenience if they are living busy lives or if they have mobility issues from the comfort of their own home.

This not only saves patients time and money, but it also reduces the risk of exposure to contagious diseases. For patients with chronic conditions, telemedicine can be especially beneficial as it allows them to receive regular check-ups and medical advice without having to leave their homes.

The Future of Healthcare is Here

Telemedicine is not just convenient, it is also the future of healthcare. With an aging population and a growing demand for medical services, telemedicine offers a solution to the shortage of healthcare professionals and resources.

In addition to providing medical care, telemedicine also has the potential to improve health outcomes by encouraging patients to take a more proactive role in their own health. With access to medical information and resources, patients can make more informed decisions about their health and receive timely medical advice.

As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions. Telemedicine is improving access to medical services and changing the way we approach healthcare. With the potential to improve health outcomes and save time and money, it’s no wonder that telemedicine is quickly becoming the future of healthcare.