All you need to know about telehealth services

Telehealth can be defined as the use of electronic information and communication technologies to access  health administration, professional health-related education, long-distance clinical health care, and public health.

 

Technologies may include computers and mobile devices, which includes smartphones and tablets. This can be technology someone uses from home, or a nurse and other health care professional can provide telehealth from a mobile van and medical office, for instance in rural areas. It is also the technology that someone’s health care provider uses to support or  improve health care services.

 

In this article we will discuss all the information related to telehealth services.

Difference between telehealth and tele-medicine

Telehealth	Telemedicine
Telehealth covers a variety of clinical and non-clinical services.	Telemedicine is a part of Telehealth.
It is more than the conversation between physician and patient.	This is just based on physician-patient  dialogue
Its services are provided by  educators, pharmacists, Healthcare Workers (HCWs), Healthcare Professionals (HCPs).	Only health care professionals play a role here.
Telehealth includes a variety of training, lab test reports, collaboration between the health care sector and technology, healthcare education, etc.	Telemedicine services are provided in digital mode by physicians.
Communication and tracking of telehealth services help patients with chronic diseases.	Telemedicine only provides coverage of physician reach.

 

Examples of telehealth

 There are many examples of telehealth. Some of these are given below:

 

• A medical assistant sending X-ray, medical history, patient exam notes, to a specialist through a secure email.

• Doctors or physicians attending lectures on medical education online.

• Meeting of surgeons or healthcare professionals through video call to accommodate care of patients.

• Use of health tracking apps on mobile devices.

• Using an appthat gives you basic information regarding health and tells you about outbreak of disease.

 

Goals of telehealth

Telehealth can also be called m-health (mobile health) or e-health. The goals of this technology are following:

 

• This technology makes healthcare easier for individuals who live in remote areas of the country or rural areas.

• Keep people safe if they have an infectious disease, for instance,  COVID-19.

• Can offer primary care for various conditions.

• Make services handy and more easily offered for individuals who have limited  time, transportation or capability to move.

• Offer access to doctors or medical specialists.

• Improve coordination and communication of care among the person accessing care and health care team members.

• Offer guidance for self-discipline of health care.

 

Which health services are available through telehealth?

Many health services are available far away. Virtual visits may be a convenient way to get:

 

• One on one therapy

• Group therapy

• Medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders

• Medication monitoring

• Mental health screening

• Referrals

• Text therapy

• Addiction counseling

• Medication prescribing

• Anxiety and depression monitoring

How is telehealth used in healthcare?

Health care providers can care about patients without any in-person appointment. Telehealth is usually done online with access to the internet on your tablet, computer and smartphone.

 

What can I expect?

Many telehealth appointments are based on video calls on a tablet, mobile phone or a computer. These appointments can also include text messages or  voice calls. Mobile apps are also used in telehealth care. These include digital machines for observing your health, such as tracking your temper or moods. Other apps, such as apps having guided meditations can help to enhance your behavioral health outside of consultations or appointments.

 

Make preparations for your appointment by finding a calm place with a reliable internet connection. Make sure that you feel confident and safe so that you can be open and honest with your healthcare provider.

 

What is a telehealth appointment?

Telehealth appointments are the same as regular visits to the doctor. Through videoconferencing you can see and speak to your doctor. It works in the same way as we talk on Skype and any other video call. You should speak normally in face-to-face conversation. You should be able to hear and see the doctor clearly.

 

Benefits of telehealth for mental health

Telehealth can be used for treating patients with mental health issues. So. There are various benefits of telehealth for mental health.  These advantages are for both the patient and counselor side.

 

Immediate approach to help

Telehealth technology removes various roadblocks which could interfere with arranging a telehealth session. It also eliminates many elements such as scheduling issues, commuting, and wait times. So that, patients can receive efficient and quicker access to health care.

 

This technology also allows improved health care choices, reduces time in diagnosis of a mental health issue,  improve emergency service performance and quality, and saves money for both doctors and patients by reducing travel expenses to clinics and optimizing clinical processes.

 

Better Quality of Care

It is often observed that the places where primary health care is most needed are the places where there is less number of appropriate certified counselors. Patients in under served or rural areas have less opportunities to visit health care providers on a regular basis. Telehealth technology provides better quality of care to those patients who live in remote areas.

 

Relief of counselor shortage

The present state of mental health in the US or other countries is troubling. Organizations of mental health are understaffed. Many people are unable to afford or access mental health services. Many counselors are leaving this field to search for better pay. However, telehealth technology solves this issue. Health care providers can reach many people and help them to improve their mental health by providing mental health services through telemedicine. This would help people to reduce stigma associated with mental health issues.

 

More comfortable setting

For many new patients, going to a clinic which is far away from home and sitting in the waiting room for a long time for a counseling session can cause discomfort and anxiety for patients. But by telehealth, patients can get counseling sessions in a comfortable and safe environment of their home. This additional level of comfort and familiarity can make counseling sessions a better option.

 

Cost of telehealth services

The cost of telehealth visits depend on the health care provider and insurance policy. Many insurance covers telehealth with the same benefits as in-person check-up or appointments. You can know the cost of telehealth services before your visit by talking to your healthcare provider.

 

Is telehealth effective for mental health?

The approach to telehealth mental health services have increased with the passage of time. It is important to note whether telehealth services are effective as compared to common face-yo-face appointments in helping patients and clients.

 

One research in the United States shows that teletherapy is just as effective as in-person counseling in treatment of depression, anxiety and life transitions.  In fact, a study in 2018 also shows the same results. Another study in 2020 found that telehealth therapy was very effective in reducing symptoms of psychological disorders in young adults.

 

Summary

Telehealth services provide many chances to enhance the delivery process of healthcare, thus leading to improved health outcomes. Many are comfortable with face-to-face counselling. But in the same way many people find it easier to treat mental illness through telehealth. But when it comes to the challenge of helping people, the more options are always better.

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