The healthcare industry has gone through many changes over the decades. Gone are the days when patients had to visit a physical hospital or clinic to meet a doctor. With the rise of telehealth, one can now meet a doctor on digital platforms. Healthcare has become more accessible to people living in remote or rural areas. With the introduction of telehealth trends, practices within the healthcare industry have changed.
Healthcare entities, professionals, and patients are embracing the ‘new normal’ with advancements in technology. It is time for all of us to accept the ‘new normal’ within the healthcare industry and benefit from technology. Read on to understand how Telehealth Trends have changed the healthcare sector.
Understanding the Term ‘Telehealth’
Before Knowing the latest trends, it is essential to understand the meaning of telehealth. It refers to the healthcare services offered with the help of telecommunication technologies. It helps patients to interact with healthcare professionals. Doctors or surgeons can monitor the patient’s condition remotely with the help of technology. A wide range of telecommunication technologies, like video conferencing, remote monitoring, and mobile applications, are used by healthcare professionals.
Some telehealth applications are virtual consultation, remote monitoring, health education, and follow-up care. During the recent pandemic, telehealth gained hype, as people could not step out of their homes. With more advancements in technology, telehealth will only reach new heights.
Telehealth Trends That Have Changed the Healthcare Industry
Individuals and healthcare professionals have started embracing the ‘new normal’ since the COVID pandemic. All doubts regarding the importance of telehealth vanished during this period. People realised that telehealth is essential in today’s digital era. Accepting the ‘new normal’ does not mean ditching traditional healthcare services. People still visit hospitals for certain problems. Telecommunication technologies aim to improve patient care and outcome. With a mix of conventional and new techniques, healthcare entities can provide the best care to patients. Let us discuss some trends that have introduced the ‘new normal’ within the healthcare industry.
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Remote Care
During the recent pandemic, people suffering from chronic diseases and mental health issues found it hard to receive proper care. Healthcare entities relied on remote care to provide the required support to patients. The demand for virtual care has increased ever since the pandemic. With the help of technology, chronic disease management has become easy. For instance, healthcare entities rely on mobile applications to send personalised reminders to chronic patients.
Chronic patients often find it hard to stay on the treatment course for an extended period. With personalised reminders via mobile applications, chronic patients will not forget to take their medicines or doctor appointments. Virtual care includes a wide range of services offered by healthcare entities to improve patient outcomes. The ‘new normal’ is visiting a hospital only when required.
Remote Patient Monitoring
Remote patient monitoring is among the biggest telehealth trends in 2023. Healthcare entities can monitor the patient’s condition remotely. They don’t have to offer a permanent bed to the patient within the hospital premises. With advancements in technology, healthcare entities can receive data regarding the patient’s condition remotely. Many people have already accepted this ‘new normal’ in 2023. Bedridden patients suffering from long-term illnesses are transferred to their homes. Doctors can check their vital signs with the help of remote patient monitoring solutions.
The rise of wearables has also contributed to remote patient monitoring. Fitness bands, smartwatches, heart rate monitors, and other wearables are used by healthcare entities for remote patient monitoring. Wearables can help healthcare professionals collect data regarding heart rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, and other things remotely. Considering that most of us prefer wearables, it can be said as the ‘new normal’.
The Use of Artificial Intelligence
Healthcare entities are increasingly using artificial intelligence to develop treatment plans, automate administrative tasks, and other purposes. Most healthcare entities are automating their research processes with the help of artificial intelligence. AI chatbots are also available for patients to resolve their general queries. AI has also helped reduce the manual burden on healthcare professionals.
In a Nutshell
Telehealth trends have completely transformed the healthcare industry. People have started accepting these trends as the ‘new normal’. As technology keeps advancing, the healthcare industry might become more effective in the future. Learn more about trends in telehealth now!