5 Ways the Pandemic Impacted Digital Healthcare for Good
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a game-changer for virtually every industry, but few have felt its effects more acutely than healthcare. The global crisis has forced us to re-imagine the way we deliver medical services, and as a result, digital healthcare has exploded in popularity. From telehealth consultations, digital medical records, to remote monitoring devices, technology is playing an increasingly important role in our healthcare system. In this blog, we will explore the many ways that the pandemic has impacted digital health care and what it means for patients and providers alike. Get ready to discover how the future of healthcare is being shaped by this unprecedented event!
1. How the pandemic transformed healthcare
The pandemic has spurred a dramatic increase in the use of digital healthcare. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare organizations have turned to digital solutions to continue providing care for their patients.
Digital healthcare allows patients to receive care from their providers without having to physically visit a doctor’s office or hospital. This is especially important during a time when people are being advised to limit their exposure to others as much as possible.
Digital healthcare solutions can include anything from video visits with providers to online tools that help patients manage their health. Many digital healthcare solutions are accessed through mobile apps, making them even more convenient for patients.
The pandemic has shown us that digital healthcare is an important part of our future. As we move forward, it’s likely that more and more people will turn to digital solutions for their healthcare needs.
2. Pandemic spurs innovation in digital healthcare
The pandemic has spurred innovation in digital healthcare, with new apps and platforms being developed to help people manage their health and wellbeing. These include apps that track symptoms and provide information on self-care, as well as platforms that connect patients with doctors for online consultations.
There has been a significant increase in the use of digital health tools since the outbreak of the pandemic.
Digital health tools can help people manage their health and wellbeing, and connect with doctors and other healthcare professionals. They can also provide vital information during a public health emergency like a pandemic.
3. Telehealth services continue to boom post pandemic
The pandemic has caused a boom in telehealth services. This is because people are avoiding going to the doctor’s office or the hospital because they are afraid of getting sick. Telehealth allows people to get medical care from the comfort of their own homes. With the Government’s digital consultation platform- eSanjeevani, already having crossed 80 million consultations, this is likely to rise to 150 million by the end of 2023. eSanjeevani will be the biggest digital consultation platform (Economic Times).
There are many advantages to using telehealth services. First, it is more convenient for patients. They can get care at a time that is convenient for them and they don’t have to take time off work or find childcare. Second, it is more affordable. Patients don’t have to pay for gas or parking and they don’t have to miss work. Third, it is more confidential. Patients can discuss sensitive issues without having to worry about who might overhear them in a waiting room.
Fourth, it gives patients more control over their care. They can choose when and how to receive care. Fifth, it helps reduce the spread of disease by allowing people to get care without coming into contact with others. Finally, it helps ease the strain on the healthcare system by freeing up appointments for people who need them most.
Telehealth services are not perfect but they offer a lot of advantages that make them worth considering, especially during a pandemic.
4. Digital Health Tools Increase Post Pandemic
The pandemic caused a surge in the use of digital health tools and this trend is here to stay. More people are using apps to track their health, schedule doctor’s appointments, and order prescriptions.
There are a number of reasons for this increase in use. First, the pandemic had made people more aware of their own health and the importance of tracking it. Second, many people lost their jobs or had their hours reduced, making it difficult to take time off for doctor’s appointments. Third, the pandemic had resulted in the closure of many brick-and-mortar stores, including pharmacies.
Digital health tools can help people manage their health more effectively and efficiently. They can also help save money on healthcare costs. In the long run, digital health tools could help to improve population health by making people more aware of their own health and the importance of preventive care.
5. Increased demand for remote patient monitoring
The pandemic has had a profound impact on healthcare, with digital health technologies playing a key role in enabling care delivery. One area that has seen significant growth is remote patient monitoring (RPM). RPM allows clinicians to collect data from patients at home and use it to make informed decisions about their care.
The benefits of RPM are becoming increasingly clear, particularly in the context of managing risks of outbreaks. By allowing clinicians to monitor patients remotely, RPM can help reduce the risk of exposure to infection and improve care coordination. In addition, RPM can provide valuable insights into a patient’s condition that would be difficult to obtain without regular face-to-face contact.
The increased demand for RPM event post pandemic is being driven by both patients and clinicians. Patients are seeking out RPM solutions that can help them manage their conditions from home, while clinicians are looking for ways to increase efficiency and improve patient outcomes. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of RPM, with many organizations investing in new technologies and solutions like digitizing health records so that it’s easier for patients and doctors to access them anytime and anywhere.
Looking ahead, it is clear that RPM will play an important role in the future of healthcare. The pandemic reshaped how care is delivered and it is even more essential in ensuring that patients receive the high-quality care they need.
Conclusion
The pandemic dramatically and permanently impacted digital healthcare, from the rapid adoption of telemedicine to the increased use of virtual health tools. While these changes have been mainly beneficial in terms of access and convenience, they have also brought with them a variety of challenges, such as privacy concerns and unequal access to technology. As we continue to navigate this uncertain time period, it is important that we carefully consider how best to integrate these new digital services into our healthcare system while ensuring that everyone has equal access to quality care.
