Is Telehealth Improving Patient Outcomes?
There is no doubt that telehealth services are impacting patient outcomes in a positive way. A recent study published in Telemedicine and e-Health looked at a variety of telehealth services and found that better outcomes were observed in a number of scenarios, often at a lower cost.
A major benefit of telehealth is the reduction in hospitalizations. Patients can often receive the care they need without having to go to the hospital. This not only saves them time and money, but it also reduces their exposure to potential infections. Remote monitoring of blood sugar and cardiac events can save time during an emergency and false alerts which require in person evaluation.
Mental health is another area where telehealth services are making an impact. A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice found that patients who used telepsychiatry services had fewer hospitalizations and emergency department visits. They also reported feeling more connected to their clinicians and experienced less stigma associated with mental health care.
Doctors and nurses are both seeing a reduction in costs. When patients don't have to travel to see their doctor, they save money on gas and child care. There should also be less lost wages from time taken off from work. In a more direct way, avoiding a doctor visit may reduce copays and insurance costs for patients. In addition, doctors and nurses are seeing fewer patients in person which potentially reduces the load on an already overworked staff.
Telehealth can help improve access to care for patients in underserved areas. These patients often have to travel long distances to see a doctor, which can be both expensive and time-consuming. In addition, patients without access to reliable transportation can benefit from telehealth. In many cases, telehealth allows them to receive the care they need without having to leave their home.
Physical therapists have seen benefits as well. In a study published in the International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, telerehabilitation was found to be as effective as in-person therapy for patients after strokes. This is significant because it means that patients with limited mobility can receive the care they need without having to travel to see a therapist.
The impact of telehealth on patient outcomes can be varied and it should be recognized that it may not be a reasonable option for every type of medical practice. However one thing is clear: telehealth is making an overall positive impact on the healthcare system. With telehealth, we can provide better care at a lower cost and that is a benefit for everyone.
What do you think about telehealth? Have you had any experience with it? Let us know below
