Doctor On Call: The Impact Of Telemedicine And Chronic Disease Management On Patient Care

With Covid-19 infection, many chronic diseases other than viral symptoms were managed via tele-calling with doctors ad healthcare professionals. Telemedicine is continuously being used to improve patient care, here exploring the potential benefits and challenges of this approach.

Doctor On Call: The Impact Of Telemedicine And Chronic Disease Management On Patient Care

The way medical treatments are delivered has been revolutionized by telemedicine. The concept of telemedicine has been around for decades, but technological advancements have made it more accessible and convenient than ever before. 

Ayush Atul Mishra, CEO and Co-Founder, Tattvan E-Clinics explains, "Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in managing chronic diseases, offering benefits to patients and healthcare providers. The convenience and accessibility of virtual visits have proven to be particularly beneficial for patients battling chronic diseases, who often face significant physical, emotional, and financial barriers to receiving the regular and periodic care they need."

Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer require ongoing management and monitoring, which can be difficult for patients to maintain with traditional hospital or clinic visits. "This is where tele- consultations come into play, offering remote access to the patients obtaining regular medical monitoring and prescription refills without the need for frequent in-person visits," remarks Mr Ayush.

However, implementing telemedicine for chronic disease management comes with its own set of challenges. Healthcare providers must ensure that patients have access to the necessary technology and can use it effectively. Additionally, providers must ensure that patients receive high-quality care that meets their unique needs and is tailored to their condition.

What are the challenges of Telemedicine?

Lack of Access to Technology

One of the primary challenges associated with telemedicine in chronic disease management is the lack of access to technology. Telemedicine services are unavailable to patients who do not have access to smartphones, computers, or the Internet. Patients living in remote areas or from low-income families face this difficulty. This calls for a technological intervention as well as a transition of existing healthcare infrastructure to an upgraded version. Tele-health clinics or E Clinics can be a good solution to this problem allowing a traditional feeling for patients of going to a clinic as well as providing access to technology at a large scale for people who cannot afford individual systems.

Privacy and Security Concerns

Another significant challenge associated with telemedicine in chronic disease management is privacy and security concerns. Telemedicine involves the exchange of sensitive health information between patients and healthcare providers. Patients may be hesitant to share their health information online, especially if they are not confident about the security of telemedicine platforms. Hence, healthcare providers must ensure that telemedicine platforms are secure and comply with privacy regulations.

Lack of Physical Examinations

When it comes to physical examinations, telemedicine has limitations as well. During telemedicine consultations, medical professionals cannot physically check their patients, which may restrict their capacity to identify some health conditions correctly. However, by adopting remote monitoring tools that can measure vital signs and other health indicators, healthcare providers can mitigate this problem. For instance, diabetic patients can use a blood glucose meter to send their blood sugar readings to their healthcare physician remotely.

What kind of opportunities does telemedicine provide?

Improved Access to Healthcare Services

Improved access to healthcare services is one of the main advantages of telemedicine in managing chronic diseases. Patients no longer need to travel to a far-off hospital or clinic, this helps especially people who live in isolated regions. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their healthcare providers from anywhere, anytime. Moreover, patients with chronic diseases need regular treatment as well as monitoring, and telemedicine offers a convenient means of getting access to medical services without having to leave home.

Effective Monitoring of Chronic Conditions

Monitoring chronic conditions efficiently is another essential benefit of telemedicine in managing chronic diseases. Healthcare professionals can remotely monitor their patients' conditions through telemedicine, enabling early identification of complications. For instance, telemedicine enables medical professionals to remotely check patients' blood sugar levels, which is necessary for those with diabetes. This early detection of complications allows healthcare providers to intervene promptly, which can prevent the development of severe health issues.

Reduced Healthcare Costs

Telemedicine also offers cost-saving opportunities in chronic disease management. Patients who require ongoing care and monitoring often have to visit healthcare facilities frequently, which can be expensive. Thus, telemedicine eliminates the need for patients to travel to healthcare facilities, which can significantly reduce healthcare costs. Additionally, it can reduce the need for hospitalizations, as healthcare providers can monitor patients' conditions remotely and intervene before their conditions worsen.

Telemedicine offers numerous opportunities in chronic disease management, including improved access to healthcare services, effective monitoring of chronic conditions, and reduced healthcare costs. By leveraging the benefits of telemedicine and addressing its challenges, healthcare providers can improve the quality of care they provide to patients with chronic diseases.