Pushing the boundaries of telehealth in hospitals and clinicsPushing the boundaries of telehealth in hospitals and clinics

Telemedicine consultations have gained widespread popularity as new technology presents a more cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to traditional, in-person doctor visits. The rise in chronic diseases and the inconvenience of regular medical appointments has paved the way for an optimistic future in telehealth, creating the expansion of healthcare mobile app development services. This article examines the impact of virtual consultations and how individuals are embracing this technological shift for a more accessible and efficient approach to healthcare.

The global telehealth market presents significant advantages in modern healthcare and is projected to grow exponentially to US$55.6 billion by 2025 from US$25.4 billion in 2020, at a CAGR of 16.9 per cent during the forecast period. This technology ensures convenience, granting patients easy access to medical care without the need for extensive appointment scheduling or in-person visits. This proves especially crucial during emergencies and for those managing chronic conditions. By eliminating travel and waiting times, telehealth enhances efficiency and accessibility, particularly beneficial for individuals who do not live near hospitals or in parts of the world where they are dependent on public transport. Telehealth also streamlines follow-up appointments, allowing patients to stay at home while doctors assess recovery progress.

Related: Telemedicine industry en route to noteworthy revenues

Dr. Deborah Mukherji, Consultant — Medical Oncology at Clemenceau Medical Center Hospital in Dubai, said: “We use telehealth extensively to connect with international patients, allowing patients and their families who are not residents in the UAE to benefit from our multidisciplinary team of expert physicians. Telehealth is especially valuable for complex cases, such as cancer, where we can review patient reports and imaging studies in advance to ensure when we arrange a teleconsultation with the patient and their family we can give optimal recommendations for further investigation or treatment. Telemedicine is playing a critical role in increasing patient’s access to healthcare, especially niche medical expertise and rare specialisations.”

She added that a major benefit is to be able to review patients who are not currently in the UAE and give them access to recommendations from internationally recognised experts who work together as part of a multidisciplinary team. 

“A disadvantage, however, is that we cannot examine patients. Although we can review digitalised medical reports and imaging, if these are not available or not of high quality to assist in diagnosis then we may be limited in the scope of the recommended treatment plan discussed during the telehealth call,” she said.

Telemedicine can also be a more economical solution as it eliminates the overhead costs associated with physical clinics or hospitals. Brandon Rowberry, CEO, Digital Health at Aster DM Healthcare, said: “With some doctors now offering only virtual consultations, there is a substantial 20 per cent savings, as they operate without the added clinic or hospital space expenses.”

This shift allows doctors to provide services from pooled centres or even from the comfort of their homes, depending on the regulations of their respective geographies.

Related: Five tips for successful telehealth implementation

Thanks to new apps in smartphones, chronic diseases can now also be monitored and checked through teleconsultations. "Teleconsulting has a number of uses such as people seeking consultations for their children, as they do not want to visit a hospital for more mild things. People do not have to travel far or take a day off as they can do it in the middle of the night. The majority, 80 to 85 per cent of teleconsultations are done with general practitioners and not specialists but now they are available with specialists too, albeit more infrequently.”

He said that telemedicine is also proving invaluable for those with chronic diseases who require regular check-ins but not necessarily physical visits. “Another significant application arises in cases of distance, such as seeking second opinions or medical tourism,” Rowberry explained. However, in some cases there are limitations and instances where in-person visits become necessary for more serious symptoms.

While telehealth is already transforming healthcare delivery, it is essential to recognise its limitations. Another significant challenge lies in the dependency on internet-connected devices, acting as a potential barrier to access for both patients and healthcare professionals. The requirement for suitable technology, coupled with the necessity for a stable internet connection, can hinder the widespread adoption of telehealth services. This is particularly evident when considering the 2.6 billion people worldwide who lack internet access.

When looking at the future of healthcare, it is important to devise inclusive solutions that bridge the digital divide, ensuring that telehealth becomes a universally accessible tool for improving overall health outcomes.

References available on request.

Back to Technology