Why is telemedicine gaining popularity? [WE EXPLAIN]

Proven content

Telemedicine is an innovative form of medical care that allows you to use health services thanks to various ICT systems. Although telemedicine solutions have been gradually developed over the years, there has been an increase in interest in their potential recently. Why is telemedicine becoming more and more popular and what do patients think about it?

The main assumptions of telemedicine

Telemedicine is a broad term that includes various solutions related to the remote healthcare process. Although telemedicine does not completely replace traditional medical services, it complements them and sometimes also extends them with new options. For a patient, telemedicine is, above all, the possibility of remote contact with a doctor and the exchange of information on the health condition. For this purpose, telephone and audiovisual connections, chats and e-mails are used.

Development of telemedicine it is conducive to the development of modern technologies, as well as its dissemination. Currently, an increasing number of patients can benefit from telemedicine services. Progress in this area can be observed, inter alia, in Due to the fact that technological barriers are gradually overcome – the necessary systems are being implemented and more and more platforms are being created offering telemedicine services to patients. Patients’ access to new technologies is also important, as is the fact that more and more people are interested in using ICT solutions.

Check: E-prescriptions – advantages and the way to fulfill electronic prescriptions

Increasing the awareness of patients also plays a significant role in the process of telemedicine development. Technological limitations constitute a certain barrier for a part of society (especially seniors), as are fears of using new technologies. The process of disseminating new solutions takes time, but in the case of telemedicine, it may accelerate as a result of the coronavirus epidemic.

Telemedicine during the coronavirus pandemic

During the COVID-19 epidemic caused by the coronavirus, many patients had the opportunity to learn about the possibilities of telemedicine. Restricting access to traditional forms of contact with a doctor has increased social awareness of an alternative, or rather its complement, based on new technologies of telemedicine. The epidemic prompted people who had not had contact with telemedicine before to use remote medical services. Thus, many new customers may be interested in continuing to use remote services after the outbreak is over.

Who is most likely to use telemedicine?

Telemedicine can be used universally because it responds to the needs of doctors and patients. However, it may be especially useful for specific groups. The 2019 study on the American population, “How Americans feel about Telemedicine”, shows that telemedicine is most often used by parents of children under 18 (23%), people living in cities (18%) and people with an annual income of a household with more than 80 thous. dollars (19 percent).

It also turns out that for the majority of people using telemedicine consultations in the form of telephone or internet, such a solution is comfortable. In this way, 64 percent responded. respondents – for 28 percent this form of visit was very comfortable, for 36 percent. rather comfortable.

See also: Telemedicine – what is an e-visit? Who Can Use Teleportation?

A further increase in interest in telemedicine may also be influenced by the growing number of facilities that want to offer services in this field. In March, the US saw a leap in the availability of such services and plans to introduce them in various medical centers (according to Jobson Optical Research). Between March 13 and 17, 5 percent. facilities offered telemedicine services, and between March 28 and 30 it was already 20 percent.

The effectiveness of telemedicine – what do Poles think?

The research presented in the report “How to effectively use the potential of telemedicine in the Polish health care system?” Indicates the effectiveness and growing popularity of solutions proposed by telemedicine. from 2018. The report quotes Medicover Polska statistics, which show that 75 percent. of patients using telemedicine advice confirmed its usefulness – according to these respondents, the consultation solved their problem or contributed to shortening the time of its resolution.

The benefits of telemedicine can be seen in various areas of health. An example may be a pilot study carried out in the Warmińsko-Mazurskie voivodship, in the Kurządnik commune. Telemedicine solutions focused on the prevention of breast cancer were used there. Due to the implementation of the project, an increase in the number of women surveyed by 5% was recorded. up to 92 percent

It can therefore be noted that Poles see the benefits of telemedicine, and the implementation of programs based on this form of health care may bring positive effects in the field of health prevention.

Read also:

1. E-referral – the way it works and the most important benefits for patients
2. E-leave – principles of operation, facilities for patients and doctors
3. Online medical advice at the National Health Fund. Where to call to consult a doctor?

The role of telemedicine in Poland – industry development plans in the future

Due to the growing importance of the possibility of providing health services in a remote form and monitoring the health of patients, thanks to ICT solutions, various strategies have been created that focus on the development of telemedicine in Poland. It is worth mentioning the “Strategy for Responsible Development until 2020”, which also provides for the perspective of activities until 2030. It is a project focused on developing services and technologies in the field of telemedicinein order to improve access to public health services.

In the field of e-health, the strategy “From paper to digital Poland” and the “Strategy of e-Health in Poland for 2018-2020” were also developed. As part of the public policy, activities aimed at digitization and further development of telemedicine technologies are therefore introduced. Therefore, further popularization of telemedicine in Poland can be expected, an example of which is the Internet Patient Account.

Do you have questions about telemedicine? Send them to the following address: [email protected]. All the most important information on telemedicine can be found HERE: Telemedicine – frequently asked questions and answers

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