The US federal government decided to lift restrictions on telemedicine services for seniors under Medicare. This move should have happened years ago since it would have protected countless high-risk citizens from getting exposed to COVID-19. The damage ahead can be mitigated by quickly designing new telehealth and telemedicine options.
The virus got its foothold in the US partly because of the inadequate healthcare infrastructure for older Americans.
Thus, we look at some principles for redesigning the system to serve the most vulnerable in a better manner:
• Care should come to patients:
It is inconvenient for lot of patients to visit the hospital if not outright dangerous. Many people currently sheltering in place are using remote digital and social tools in ways like never before and have realized how much can be done without leaving home. This holds true for medicine as well.
Acutely ill patients can be treated via telemedicine - people with chest pain, strokes or broken bones. Many tests required to make safe diagnosis can be conducted on-site at a nursing home, with results streamed to physicians. Other tests like X-ray, sound transmission of heartbeats, vital sign monitoring and imagery can be shared remotely. Physical examinations can be visually done, with remote guidance from a physician to an on-site nurse, paramedic or family member.
• Technology doesn’t need to diminish patient experience:
Some critics who argue against telemedicine believe that something is lost in the patient-doctor experience without an in-person visit. Though today’s care is not completely patient-centered, no matter how the consultation occurs.
For example, when someone is diagnosed with cancer, they often have only few minutes with the doctor. With telemedicine a doctor can deliver the diagnosis then schedule a follow-up few hours later, when the patient is ready to learn more details and ask queries.
The much-needed time, compassion and flexibility enabled by these tools help healthy patients as doctor visits are inconvenient for them and also for chronically ill patients who feel panic, trauma and disorientation during transport to a medical center.
When connected health solutions are set up ahead of when a patient urgently needs them it will allow healthcare professionals to treat patients with dignity and respect.
• Present crisis gives opportunity to reorient healthcare around people:
If telemedicine infrastructure had been established earlier, new and existing services wouldn’t be overwhelmed with this sudden demand. Since years many restrictions were put on telemedicine that don’t keep up with the pace of innovation, creating a lumbering system ignoring what is best for patients.
But COVID-19, which has damaged the whole world, presents an unprecedented opportunity: major federal restrictions have been waived, emergency and telemedicine providers should scale up services, so that patients get access to those services with fewer barriers or costly copays. It is desirable to take immediate action to save more lives in the short-term and revolutionize healthcare in the long-run.