Telehealth Medicine

Sample Answer

Telehealth is a comprehensive term that encompasses the use of communication technology to provide healthcare services remotely. Telehealth has emerged as a vital resource due to the convergence of advancements in communication, computer science, informatics, and medical technology (Groom et al., 2021). Telehealth often encompasses remotely monitoring physiological parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, and other relevant metrics.

This is achieved using wearable devices that capture the necessary data and transmit it electronically to healthcare professionals. The use of smartphones and other intelligent personal devices for collecting, distributing, and analyzing health status is rising. This trend is particularly notable owing to the widespread availability of these devices, especially in distant and disadvantaged populations. This paper aims to examine the field of telehealth medicine, delineate its advantages and disadvantages, and highlight further constraints associated with its implementation.

Pros and Cons

Utilizing technology in healthcare delivery offers various benefits, such as cost reduction, enhanced convenience, and improved accessibility for individuals with limited mobility or residing in remote areas without local medical facilities. The utilization of telehealth has experienced substantial growth in the past decade. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the importance of telehealth(Joshi & Lewiss, 2020). Concerns about the transmission of the virus during face-to-face medical appointments have resulted in an increased utilization of technology for healthcare delivery and access.

Telehealth provides a convenient and cost-effective means of remote medical consultation, eliminating the need for physical travel. However, it is not without its drawbacks. Not all types of visits can be conducted remotely. In-person visits to the office are necessary for procedures such as imaging tests, blood work, and diagnoses that necessitate a more tactile approach(Kirkland et al., 2019). The security of electronically transmitted personal health data is a significant concern. Insurance companies are expanding coverage for telehealth visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, but certain services may still incur out-of-pocket expenses(Gajarawala & Pelkowski, 2020).

Telehealth Assessment

When employed correctly, a patient-assisted assessment in a telehealth consultation presents a valuable chance to promote patient involvement in healthcare and improve the provider-patient dynamic(Gajarawala & Pelkowski, 2020). During telehealth visits, patients play a crucial role as active participants in the physical assessment process. During the visit, I will introduce myself and verify the patient’s identity using two identifiers. I will assess the patient’s appearance to determine the suitability of a telehealth visit.

I will assess the patient’s cognitive and physical condition to ascertain their suitability for participation. During scheduled visits with children, frail elderly individuals, and patients with special needs, it is essential to ascertain the presence and capability of a caregiver to assist. It is vital to utilize the opportunity to assess the patient’s surroundings and manage any potential sources of distraction. Performing a physical assessment in a virtual visit requires collaboration. A cooperative patient can be instructed to palpate the neck and submandibular regions to detect abnormal masses.

The patient should provide details regarding pain, hardness, shape, and dimensions if any are found. It is necessary to Instruct patients to rise and ambulate briefly in order to evaluate their balance and gait. Assessing the range of motion and utilizing a pain scale is essential for evaluating joint pain. Patients should be instructed to palpate their pulses, report their heart rate, and describe their observations (Groom et al., 2021). Home spirometry and digital stethoscopes should be considered for the long-term management of patients with chronic respiratory disease.

The abdominal assessment can be enhanced by instructing the patient to stand and rotate their body from side to side while guidingthem to palpate any specific areas of concern for pediatric patients. To effectively observe the child’s activities, it is recommended to request the parent to position the camera in a way that allows for monitoring the child’s play on the floor or their interactions with objects while seated at a table(Kirkland et al., 2019). Parents can use smartphones to share images or videos of rashes or concerning behaviors, depending on the quality of the images. It is essential to document all collected information for future reference.

Limits to Telehealth

The primary distinction between telehealth and in-person visits lies in the provider’s limited physical examination capacity. Regardless of whether the visit is conducted in person or remotely, the standard of care remains consistent(Russi et al., 2020). The constraints on reimbursement and the diverse payer landscape pose substantial obstacles to the broader adoption of telehealth. The widespread implementation of telemedicine is hindered by restricted reimbursement. Telehealth insurance coverage is variable, but its prevalence is increasing. As telehealth programs gain popularity and effectiveness, it is increasingly probable that payment concerns will be addressed(Gajarawala & Pelkowski, 2020).

Successful Telehealth Visit

The success of telehealth from the provider’s perspective lies in its ability to efficiently assist a more significant number of patients within a reduced timeframe. The success of the process and outcome from the patient’s perspective depends on convenience and positive results. For the successful implementation of telehealth, it is imperative that the technology functions effectively and that healthcare providers receive appropriate training to conduct patient consultations remotely(Joshi & Lewiss, 2020).

Furthermore, it is crucial to carefully choose suitable healthcare providers and adequately prepare patients for virtual consultations. Previous studies have indicated that providers with flexibility, tolerance, creativity, and problem-solving skills are more likely to succeed in telehealth, as reported by patients and providers.

Telehealth providers must balance relinquishing control over the visit and maintaining sufficient control to deliver effective patient care. This task may pose challenges for numerous providers. To ensure patient satisfaction in telehealth, providers must maintain their role as the primary medical caregiver for patients. In contrast, patients and parents often express satisfaction with telehealth due to its convenience in terms of reduced travel times and costs (Russi et al., 2020).

Additional reasons for the significance of telehealth from the patient’s viewpoint encompass reduced absence from educational and occupational settings, diminished waiting periods, and enhanced availability for consultations with pediatric specialists.I apologize, but it seems that your message was cut off. Could you please provide more information.

Conclusion

Telehealth facilitates remote communication between individuals and healthcare providers in situations where in-person care is unnecessary or impractical. Telehealth services enable patients to access a range of healthcare services remotely, including receiving care, consulting with healthcare providers, obtaining information about medical conditions or treatments, arranging for prescriptions, and receiving diagnoses. Telehealth enhances efficiencies, reduces costs, and enables medical professionals and hospital systems to extend their reach and impact on a larger population.

References

• Gajarawala, S., & Pelkowski, J. (2020). Telehealth benefits and barriers. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 17(2), 218–221. https //doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.09.013
• Groom, L. L., McCarthy, M. M., Stimpfel, A. W., & Brody, A. A. (2021). Telemedicine and Telehealth in Nursing Homes An Integrative Review. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 22(9). https //doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2021.02.037
• Joshi, A. U., & Lewiss, R. E. (2020). Telehealth in the time of COVID-19. Emergency Medicine Journal, 37(10), 637–638. https //doi.org/10.1136/emermed-2020-209846
• Kirkland, E. B., DuBose-Morris, R., & Duckett, A. (2019). Telehealth for the internal medicine resident A 3-year longitudinal curriculum. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 1357633X1989668. https //doi.org/10.1177/1357633×19896683
• Russi, C. S., Heaton, H. A., & Demaerschalk, B. M. (2020). Emergency Medicine Telehealth for COVID-19 Minimize Front-Line Provider Exposure and Conserve Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Mayo Clinic Proceedings. https //doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.07.025