One of the most recent trends in healthcare is telehealth. Telehealth is a type of healthcare that is provided through video, phone, or any sort of electronic channel that can reach a healthcare provider. Telehealth was made more prominent during the pandemic due to the barriers for people going to a health clinic in person. Telehealth consists of multiple channels like virtual appointments with healthcare providers over platforms like Zoom, electronic portals, or at-home health monitors that allow healthcare providers to track patients’ symptoms remotely. Those with disabilities who also would like to access telehealth are catered to depending on their disability and their needs to access the services.
Two of the biggest challenges of healthcare that people face or have faced in the past have been the pandemic and geography. Many people in the United States live in rural areas of the country where primary care physicians do not practice. On top of living in these rural areas, there may be a lack of transportation or flexibility from work to receive proper care. This puts these people more at risk for potential injury or illnesses that could potentially be fatal. With the option of telehealth, it provides those in rural areas with healthcare options that allow them to surpass these physical barriers. Some services that are provided may consist of stroke care, cardiac rehabilitation, diabetes management, and prevention and epilepsy management.
Telehealth became a fast and accessible option during the pandemic. It helped patients and healthcare providers meet without the possibility of Covid-19 transmission. Telehealth was able to balance the seriousness of both the pandemic along with other illnesses by limiting the practice of in-person visits to health clinics while still providing great healthcare. Though telehealth provided a safer means of healthcare access during the pandemic, there were still some limitations. One of these limitations is the obvious lack of physical examination which may consist of an assessment of vital signs, the use of a weight scale, a blood pressure cuff, or a thermometer. There is also the possibility of emergency situations with illnesses or injuries that need to be handled differently through telecommunications. Another limit is the patient and provider relationship as the care is not taking place in the same setting.
Overall, Telehealth is a great investment for everyone as it provides easy access to healthcare, especially for those that are in rural areas or don’t want to come into a clinic due to illness. Though right now it cannot be used for all healthcare needs and cannot replace an in-person exam, it is a great tool for patients who have unique challenges to in-person healthcare visits.
One of Bloomington Health Foundation’s key impact areas is improving health services in our community, just like the advancement of telehealth across the nation. In fact, we’ve committed over $15 million in support of solutions to help people in Bloomington lead healthier lives and advance the future of healthcare in our region, since 2018.
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