Stagnation is not a term that can be associated with the field of healthcare. In our quest for better ways of provision and accessibility, we have come far from the traditional practice of in-hospital care. One such breakthrough has been the advent of Telehealth, a system that brings healthcare services to your home, bridging the gap between healthcare providers and patients.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth refers to the delivery of healthcare services and information via electronic and telecommunication technologies. It allows long-distance consultation, patient monitoring, health education, and more, all within the comfort of your own home.
Why Telehealth?
The biggest advantage of Telehealth is its ability to bypass the barriers of distance and time. It is especially beneficial for home health patients who are unable to travel or are residing in remote areas. It not only saves the effort and inconvenience of travel but also ensures immediate provision of healthcare services when an in-person visit might not be possible.
Components of Telehealth
Telehealth encompasses a wide range of methods and services, each tailored to cater to different aspects of healthcare. The major components include:
- Electronic Health Records (EHRs): These digital patient records can be updated in real time, allowing health care professionals to have the most up-to-date information at their fingertips.
- Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM): Through this system, healthcare providers can monitor a patient’s vital sign from afar, ensuring constant supervision and immediate action in case of abnormalities.
- Mobile Health (mHealth): Apps and wearables that allow users to track health statistics and receive reminders for medication and appointments.
Conclusion
The incorporation of Telehealth into the home health care has opened up new avenues for patient care. It caters to the current need for remote healthcare, with the added benefit of efficiency. The role of Telehealth in home care is now more relevant than ever, as we gravitate towards a more digitized and accessible form of healthcare.
