Telemedicine
is a technical version of the medicine care provided in hospital settings by a physician
and obviously requires a completely different skillset. As the motive of
implementation of telemedicine is to increase patient engagement, the facility
must be technically well-equipped with necessary components that are required
to make the therapy successful and more importantly must suffice the purpose of
engaging patients in their therapy processes so that the outcome is increased
patient satisfaction.
For
an effective telehealth visit, technology plays an important role. The US
population is growing and people aging 65 years and more is said to make up 19%
of the total US population by 2030 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4795318/).
As a result, the rate of chronic health conditions are also projected a
considerable increase and people will be spending more on chronic disease
management. The telehealth platforms for such aged population must be simple,
easy to use, and provide accessible features. Most importantly, users must be
properly trained to extract maximum benefit out of the user-friendly medicine
technology. On the other hand, it is easier for the younger population to use
the advanced telehealth mechanisms.
Obviously,
implementing a telemedicine procedure needs certain kind of pre-arrangements.
Let us have a closer look at the details to be considered while approaching for
a video visit.
Here
is the checklist for implementing a virtual clinic visit:
1. Use
a high-quality web camera: To replicate the feel
of a real visit in a virtual visit, the need is to use a good quality camera.
Patients should be able to see the doctor’s
face clearly for feeling comfortable and responding positively to the treatment
procedure. Also, the doctors need to reassure that the patients are using a
webcam that is sufficient for a clear picture. Although most computers and
laptops feature an integrated webcam, patients must test the visual quality of
the cams before a virtual visit.
2. Have
the camera at the eye level: Leveling the camera
at the eye-level enables a better eye contact with the patient and ensure a
better connection.
3. Use
quality sound equipment: Most of the computer
systems today have built-in good quality sound systems. However, for a medical
communication to be successful, the sound equipment must be capable of
minimizing the background noise and detecting low frequency sounds that are not
in the hearing range of human ears. Also, both must perform a test using a
sound recording program on their systems to ensure proper audibility.
4. Finalize
a dedicated space for virtual visits:
For a virtual visit, not only the required equipment needs to be installed
correctly, but the surrounding environment also must be taken into
consideration. It must be private and away from distractions as it is only then
that the patients will feel that their information is secured.
While
preparing for the virtual visit, the following things need to be considered:
· Test the webcam for
clarity of visibility to be able to see the person at the other end for
efficient interaction.
· Make sure the volume
and microphone is on and is audible to avoid any miscommunications during the
procedure.
· Plug your mobile or
computer device.
· Prefer using a wired
connection as there is no possibility of losing the internet connection. If you
are using a wireless connection, ensure that it offers a high speed so that the
interaction doesn’t stop
abruptly.
· Close unnecessary
programs as opening too many windows may hamper the speed due to overload on
the memory.
· Choose the right
browser that the medicine portal works best with.
· Dress appropriately as
virtual doctor’s visit is
nothing different than a real visit except the distance.
· Adjust the lighting to
display a clear and visible image.
· Go through the patient
concerns before the meeting if it is handily available.
During
the virtual visit, follow the below guidelines:
· When prompted, share
the screen to start the video chat.
· Have the support team’s
number handy for use whenever needed, i.e in case any technical problems erupt.
· Follow the same
guidelines as in the in-person visit.
· Have proper body
postures and gestures to show that you are engaged actively in the treatment
procedure.
· Be clear while
explaining the next steps to the patient.
The
above checklist is thoughtfully prepared to have a successful virtual visit.
However, there are certain specifications that pertain to particular
telemedicine platforms that are to be considered before implementing a virtual
visit between a doctor and a patient. At Lifecycle Health, we ensure that both
the doctors as well as the patients are comfortable before initiating the video
visit so that there are no loopholes in the treatment procedure leading to any
ambiguities. Telehealth is introduced to simplify healthcare procedures and
invest in time-saving, cost-efficient methodologies. The Lifecycle team
encourages telemedicine and aims to take the care procedures at a completely
different level. To know more, visit http://www.lifecyclehealth.com/.
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