Different Methods of Telehealth You need to know about

In today’s ever-changing environment, access to medical services is crucial for every individual. COVID-19 has affected each individual’s life in the most unimaginable ways. The fear-mongering surrounding the pandemic has proliferated and has driven people to take the necessary steps to ensure easy access to health care services. 

In the present scenario, there is an upsurge in the use of electronic information and telecommunication technologies to deliver and facilitate health and health-related services, including provider and patient information, medical services, and self-care, all of these come under a common term known as Telehealth.  

Live video conferencing, remote patient monitoring, and various mobile apps to track patient progress come under the purview of what Telehealth entails.  

Telehealth contributes to attaining universal health coverage. It enhances accessibility for patients to health care providers, is cost-effective, and ensures quality health services at any given point. Telehealth is of great value to those living in remote areas and the most vulnerable groups and with the introduction of technology in almost every field now, the future of telehealth is bright as well, indeed.  

Here are some benefits of introducing telehealth

According to WHO’s analysis of the third global survey on eHealth based on the reported data by countries, 2016, less than 50% of member countries have stated that there are no policies concerning telehealth and no mention of the same in the pre-existing policies either. The report also enlisted the main barriers faced by countries in the implementation of telehealth. Lack of infrastructure (equipment and/or connectivity), lack of funding to develop and support such programs, contesting priorities in the health system, and a paucity of legislation or regulations concerning telehealth programs. 

There are different types of telehealth available now which makes it easy to get the medical facilities at the doorstep. Let’s talk about the same.  

The various methods of Telehealth 

Most commonly, 4 methods of telehealth are in use. They are as follows:  

Live video conferencing 

Live video conferencing is one of the most well-known methods of telehealth, and it is just what it sounds like – a virtual, two-way live-video-based conference between a patient and their healthcare provider. This method of telehealth is widely used. From physicians in local hospitals to healthcare providers and private practitioners, live-video-conferencing is in high demand.  

Live video-conferencing eliminates the need to travel, saves time, and reduces stress for both the parties, i.e., patient and healthcare provider. Live video conferencing also facilitates the process of ensuring access to healthcare in areas that are usually remote and rural.  

Asynchronous Video (AKA Store-and-Forward) 

Asynchronous video is a method of electronically transmitting a patient’s stored health history in a way that is not real-time and is used by a healthcare provider. This method is often employed in rural areas when healthcare providers are collaborating with a specialist situated elsewhere. This method of telehealth also enables the administration of specialist healthcare to areas where it may be sparse. 

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) 

Remote patient monitoring is frequently used when treating seniors or in assisted living centers. The method involves collecting healthcare data from a patient or resident of one location and then transmitting it electronically to a healthcare professional (such as a nurse or provider) for monitoring and review. Remote patient monitoring is particularly beneficial in senior living centers because they, for example, help prevent falls and enable providers to maintain a watchful overview of residents’ vitals. 

Mobile Health (mHealth) 

The concept of mobile health involves using smart devices such as smartphones and tablets that have health-related apps loaded onto them, and these apps support continuous real-time healthcare. A variety of health-based apps enable us to monitor a range of parameters, from the blood sugar levels in a diabetic patient to a person’s daily water intake. With the help of these apps, healthier lifestyle behaviors can be encouraged. Such apps can also be designed to integrate with the personal health records of a patient. 

The Bottom Line

Telehealth is immensely beneficial to all. It is extremely crucial to working professionals who are working busy schedules and find it hard to set time aside for routine health check-ups. Companies that have medical insurance policies for their employees can up their standards for ensuring employee safety and welfare by incorporating Telehealth as a part of their health care policies and practices. 

In this ever-growing industry, there are many methods of telehealth that boost patients’ lifestyle behaviors and enhance overall health. Telehealth provides easy access to a plethora of employees’ health care needs. Telehealth allows all to take action, modify treatment to improve their health. Find out more about Telehealth and the various practices involved in this industry that can be incorporated and accredited to your company’s best practices. 

At Onsurity, we abide by the principles of Innovation in products and plans, affordable healthcare, and healthcare features.  Apart from group health insurance, our benefits like discounted medicines and health checkups available for booking via Onsurity app and doctor teleconsultation in healthcare plan offer you all the benefits of telehealth.  

Let us provide your company with the right kind of Telehealth practices that best fit the company’s needs. If you are interested in finding out more about Telehealth and integrating it into your practice, get in touch with our team at partners@onsurity.com or click on the button below to visit our website and get an instant quote.