Telehealth is the new and easy way to receive healthcare without going to a hospital or a clinic. However, many people still remain hesitant and do not consider telehealth, the best way they can receive the medical attention they need. This is because of a number of adoption challenges that the patients face. Also, because they are unable to figure out a solution to these problems, they just give up on telehealth despite all the benefits it has to offer.
Telehealth can allow for your medical expenses to be cheaper, because there is no cost of traveling. Your diagnosis can be more accurate since you can share more openly with your healthcare provider from your room. All these advantages can only be enjoyed if we understand the common problems and their solutions, which is what will be mentioned in this blog.
Technical Difficulties
Many patients can face technical difficulties when trying to receive online healthcare. This can be in the form of poor wifi connection that makes video calling less ideal. Moreover poor wifi can also cause a lot of vocal lag on both sides, meaning the communication will be rough.
Other than wifi, the patients can also suffer from the capability of their devices. If they have a mobile or laptop with poor speakers, or microphone etc, the communication can also be hundred by it.
Finally the patient may also not be able to navigate the portal or any other software or app that they have to use. This can be the case if the interface is complicated or if the patient is old and not familiar with technology.
Solution:
The patients should secure a good wifi connection of a stable 10-15 mbps to have a lag free video call. If the local wifi providers are not any good, then look into affordable mobile data packages that can at least last throughout the video call.
Also, get a proper device that is fully capable of conducting a video call. Make sure it supports wifi, has a good screen, microphone, speakers, and camera. If you have difficulty using a device, or navigating through a software, have a guardian or family member assist you.
Privacy and Security Concerns
Many patients do not opt for telehealth due to privacy concerns that they have. Many may feel uncomfortable about having their whole medical history and other personal information be a part of a database accessible to your healthcare provider.
They fear data breaches might leak sensitive information that they shared with their online healthcare advisor. From messages to diagnosis, to prescriptions, all of this information is sensitive and even the chance that they might be discovered is enough to diminish trust in telehealth.
Solution:
Customers should opt for professional telehealth care providers like progressive healthcare solutions which have secure platforms and use apps and softwares with end to end encryption, which means your messages with your doctor can only be read by him and vice versa.
Moreover, have a read through your telehealth care provider’s privacy policy. This will give you a better understanding of what data is shared to the organization, and what data remains strictly confidential with the doctors. This will boost your confidence in telehealth since you would actually understand and cross out your concerns for privacy.
Also, from your end you can always make the login credentials to your patient portal more solid. You can do this by implementing a strong password. Combining it with two factor authentication would mean your account will be secure from almost all potential risks of privacy breach.
Challenges in Building Patient-Doctor Relationships
Many patients struggle to get comfortable with their doctors and actually have meaningful and open conversations which would lead to proper diagnosis. Effective communication is important otherwise proper diagnosis or treatment cannot be administered. Many people struggle to overcome the barrier of change. Since, previously appointments were face to face, conducting an appointment on call may seem weird and off putting.
Solution:
There are ways to make up for the lack of physical presence of the doctor. Firstly try to get your webcam on and sit properly. If you set up your laptop at your eye level the virtual meeting will feel more natural and you will feel more comfortable during your checkup.
Another way to ensure better communication with your doctor is sitting in a quiet and private area of your house. This will allow for fewer distractions. Privacy will allow you to open up without feeling insecure or ashamed about discussing any personal problems.
Finally it is a good idea to stick to one doctor or telehealth company. This will help you form a comfortable relationship with your doctor. This would allow you to book future appointments without any second thoughts.
Integrating Telehealth with Traditional Healthcare
Many people get the misconception that adopting telehealth for all your medical concerns will rule out the need for in person visits, however this is not the case. At the current stage of telehealth it can not completely replace traditional healthcare, but it can improve it.
Telehealth can help with things like:
- Discussing test results
- Regular health checkups
- Follow up meetings with your doctor
- Monitoring chronic illnesses
- Diagnosing contagious diseases
- Discussing medicine dosages and getting prescriptions
- Tracking recovery
Integrating telehealth in your life will mean you do not have to go to a hospital for every minor inconvenience. It can simplify and provide ease in your life and hectic schedules.
Conclusion
To conclude, awareness about telehealth is important to realize that it has many potential benefits. Saving time, money and providing convenience are a few of them. Awareness can also help us understand that most challenges are very easy to overcome. While some technical issues may require getting used to or upgrading devices. Other issues like privacy concerns, or being unable to open up to your doctor properly just require you to commit a little more in your home to create an environment that allows you to receive proper medical attention.
Adopting telehealth will not eliminate your need for physical visits, it will just greatly reduce it. A telehealth doctor will always let you know if an in person visit is necessary or required. Through education, support, and effective communication, we can overcome these barriers and make telehealth a valuable part of the healthcare landscape.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.
