4 Ways Healthcare Providers Can Improve the Telemedicine Experience
Physician: “Hi, can you hear me?”
Patient: “Yes, I can hear you and see you”
Physician: “I’m sorry, I can’t hear you, I can only see you”
Patient: “One second…how about now?”
Physician: “No…I still can only see you”
(Repeat dialogue 3 times)
Telemedicine has been around for decades. For many of us though, we didn’t have our first virtual doctor’s office visit until the pandemic. While many industries saw high demand during the pandemic they have since cooled. Not the case for Telemedicine. Its utilization has remained above pre-pandemic levels and has turned into an essential service in the healthcare industry.
In this article I’m going to share a few ways providers can enhance their telemedicine experience.
1. Embrace real-time engagement
22-27% of Americans use Telemedicine on an annualized basis. However, not all telemedicine experiences are equal. The dialogue above is an all too often back and forth that still occurs more frequently than it should.
One of the critical components of a successful telemedicine solution is real-time engagement. Live video and audio interactions are table stakes. Consistent high-quality video (720p to 1080p) available in both densely populated and remote areas help ensure clear communication between patients and healthcare providers, minimizing misunderstandings and miscommunications.
Real-time chat services are also essential, allowing instant communication and providing a platform for quick questions or follow-up discussions. These chat services should be secure and comply with patient privacy standards like HIPAA.
Integrating whiteboard solutions that can share videos, allow annotation and drawings enables a stronger physician/patient relationship. Consistent crystal-clear visuals and audio can enhance the diagnostic process, facilitate thorough discussions, and enable effective treatment planning.
2. Utilize real-time transcription services
In the medical field, the significance of every single word cannot be overstated. Real-time medical scribing services have emerged as a powerful tool that can revolutionize telemedicine practices, greatly enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. These innovative services can automatically transcribe voice and video calls, generating comprehensive written records for each medical consultation and into your EHR (electronic health record).
By leveraging real-time transcription, healthcare professionals can ensure that critical information is noticed during a consultation. Offering real-time language translation and/or subtitles can ensure clearer physician/patient communication. This level of meticulous documentation promotes the maintenance of accurate and up-to-date medical records. It is pivotal in improving patient care while still being safe. Secure and HIPAA compliant.
Real-time scribing services can also benefit medical research and analysis. Researchers can use the scribed data to study patterns, identify trends, and gain valuable insights into various medical conditions and treatment outcomes. That research and analysis can then be included in a series of virtual prompts for the doctor during patient calls which can save time and make calls more impactful.
3. Connect wearable devices
In the era of wearable technology, the potential benefits of leveraging these devices for telemedicine are immense. Seamlessly integrating wearable devices into the healthcare ecosystem allows healthcare providers to access valuable data that significantly enhance patient care and outcomes.
These wearable devices can capture vital health metrics, including heart rate, body temp, blood oxygen, respiratory rate, sleep quality, calorie intake, and activity levels. Such real-time data can be transmitted to healthcare professionals, enabling them to monitor patients more effectively, even remotely.
Embracing wearable technology in telemedicine is a progressive step towards a more connected and efficient healthcare landscape. The integration of wearable devices fosters a stronger patient-provider relationship and promotes a proactive and preventive approach to healthcare.
4. Leverage the latest telemedicine trends
Staying on top of the latest developments and trends in telemedicine can also help you get more out of your solution. For instance, the use of AI and machine learning in telemedicine is growing, offering opportunities for predictive analytics, automated patient monitoring, and more personalized care. Adding augmented or virtual reality to your telemedicine solution can help provide physician training, patient mental health treatment and pain management which can increase patient engagement and satisfaction.
Staying up to date on telemedicine regulations and compliance standards is crucial. The healthcare industry is subject to ever-evolving laws and guidelines, and staying compliant ensures that patient information remains secure and that telemedicine services are delivered with the highest levels of privacy and confidentiality.
Implementing a more compelling telemedicine strategy
The pandemic has undoubtedly accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, and it’s here to stay. By embracing real-time engagement, utilizing real-time transcription, connecting wearable devices, and leveraging the latest trends, healthcare providers can maximize telemedicine ‘s benefits and create a truly unique experience between their physicians and patients. And with a reliable strategy, providers can ensure their telemedicine solution is robust, secure, and ready to meet the needs of modern healthcare. With the proper support, your telemedicine service can reach its full potential and revolutionize how you deliver healthcare.
Ready to improve your telemedicine experience? Learn how Agora’s real-time engagement for telemedicine can help.
