Tele Health
We are in the midst of a pandemic, and it has already taken the healthcare system by storm. The people are asked to adopt healthier habits than ever. In such crucial times, telemedicine is no less than a blessing in disguise.
In an era where we all are requested to follow social distancing, telemedicine has turned out to bridge the gap between people, doctors, physicians, and most importantly the health care systems.
Telemedicine (or telehealth), is defined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as the use of technology to provide and support healthcare at a distance. What that truly means can range widely.
In simpler terms, telemedicine is a new-age approach that helps the health service providers to communicate important means of information via telecommunication technology. This practice is widely followed since time immemorial and involves the doctors to care and advice the patients in crucial times.
Telemedicine call also be used for other, less serious health issues, like getting a diagnosis or quick prescription when you think you have a minor problem or when you don't have time or the ability to seek care at an office.
Telehealth- A modern approach to combating avoidable health issues
Telemedicine or telehealth is a practice that allows us to deliver and communicate physiotherapy steps, self-management programs as well as advice to our patients in the time of the need, and especially when they cannot visit our clinics. The name conjures this practice to be followed via a means of telephonic communication.
Telehealth has been recognized by the World Health Organisation as:
“The delivery of health care services, where distance is a critical factor, by all health care professionals using information and communication technologies for the exchange of valid information for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease and injuries” (Lee et al 2018).
How adopting this approach can be beneficial?
It has been observed that this method of practice has helped innumerable patients as well as physicians alike to bridge the gap of communication, delays in appointments, increase in distance or times when the patient or physicians due to some unforeseeable conditions fail to check on the patient.
