To discover some the advantages and disadvantages of the rise of telehealth technology and applications, simply continue reading to discover a guide to telehealth.
The pros and cons on telehealth:
The Pros:
1. You can update your healthcare providers on your health from the comfort of your own home
As an example, you may be able to provide your doctor with updates of your condition, using an online portal. Which is useful as if your doctor or a nurse at your doctor’s office notices any symptoms or changes which may be cause for concern, they’ll be able to ring you to book an appointment.
2. Your health providers will be able to make better-informed decisions when it comes to your health
One of the bonuses of your professional healthcare providers being able to access detailed records about your ongoing health is that with more information, they’ll be able to make better-informed decisions when it comes to both your mental health and physical health.
3. Your healthcare providers will be able to consult with other medical providers before making an important decision in regards to your health
Another huge benefit of telehealth technology and systems is that medical professionals such as surgeons will be able to consult which each other from different locations. As an example, a surgeon may be able to get the second opinion of an esteemed colleague via a video chat. Or a GP may be able to talk to a patient’s last GP via a messaging app.
4. Outpatients condition can be monitored using telehealth systems
With the advent of telehealth systems, doctors will be able to keep tabs on their outpatients as they recover at home. As an example, doctors may ask their outpatients to video chat once a day, in order to monitor their progress.
5. Telehealth systems will allow AI technology to assist medical professionals
Another advantage of the rise of telehealth systems is that in the future they will allow AI technology to remotely perform medical procedures. As an example, in the future robotic surgery is set to become the norm. As robots error rate and precision will soon trump that of an experienced surgeon. This is great news as robots will be able to handle intricate delicate operations that require a high level of precision.
The Cons:
1. Your personal information may not remain as private as it did before the rise of telehealth systems
While some individuals won’t have any issues with their health records being shared openly between different healthcare providers, other individuals may not be comfortable about all of their medical records being more readily available to different medical practitioners.
As an example, some individuals may not want their GP to know about their visit to the emergency room or for their GP to learn about a visit to a family planning clinic for an abortion.
2. Some individuals may not visit their doctor on a regular basis anymore
As it may be far cheaper to ask your doctor for advice via an online platform, rather than visiting your GP in person, many individuals may visit their doctors less frequently. Which could have an adverse effect on their health as in many cases it’s still a wise idea to see a doctor in person!
Hopefully, after reading the points made above, you now have a better understanding of the pros and cons of telehealth systems and technology!
To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.