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Equipping healthcare professionals for remote practice, ET HealthWorld

Equipping healthcare professionals for remote practice, ET HealthWorld

At the height of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, hospitals were filling up swiftly and patients desperately scrambled to find a doctor. Due to the strict norms, nobody was allowed to move around freely. Telemedicine became a solution to these problems by providing patients with access to a specialist without having to travel. The concept has gained immense success since then. For example, the government’s telemedicine platform, eSanjeevani, recorded more than 10 crore consultations until February 2023.

Telemedicine is at the forefront of the technology-driven healthcare revolution. It has helped boost accessibility to healthcare and dissolved geographical barriers that hinder the administration of treatment. Telemedicine platforms continue to thrive globally as their market size is predicted to grow from $94.44 billion in 2023 to $286.22 billion by 2030. In this context, current and future doctors must, hence, familiarise themselves with this mode of care delivery to make healthcare more accessible. They should undergo constant training to learn the necessary telemedicine skills to enhance patient experiences.

Skills necessary for telemedicine

There are several skills necessary for doctors choosing to practice telemedicine. As telemedicine consultations take place remotely, doctors must be able to use these digital devices efficiently. Additionally, they need to know how to operate several other tools such as mobile health apps and teleconferencing software to carry out consultations effortlessly.

In a remote setting, it is of paramount importance for the doctor to be able to effectively communicate with the patient and treat them with empathy. They must be able to pick up on non-verbal cues, speak clearly, ask relevant questions, and listen to the patient carefully. Communication is key for doctors to build a bond with their patients and treat them effectively.

Other than these skills, doctors need to be culturally sensitive to the needs of the patient. Being culturally aware helps foster trust and promotes doctor-patient relationships.

Reviews and ratings have an important part to play in reinforcing the patient’s trust in telemedicine platforms. Patients can share specifics regarding their experience with the clinical facilities, simplicity of booking, and adherence to timings. These ratings and reviews provide essential insights to help others make an informed decision. This can not only enhance the standard of service but also boost transparency and patient-centricity.

Continuous assessment and quality improvement

Telemedicine has a huge role to play in the future of healthcare. It can help improve communication between patients, doctors and facilities, access to healthcare data, and distant monitoring. Some devices that help in this regard include audio-video software, mobile apps, and other digital wearable devices. On the other hand, telemedicine can provide healthcare professionals with an avenue to perform a wide range of clinical tasks. Hence, doctors need to undergo continuous training and assessment sessions to be adequately prepared to address these needs.

There are several telemedicine training programmes offered by government and private entities that equip doctors with the skills necessary to practice remotely. These courses involve virtual simulations, online modules, and classes. Interdisciplinary collaborations can make the medical process seamless and boost the clinical decision-making process by catering to each patient’s unique needs. Moreover, telemedicine can be incorporated into the curriculum of medical students via existing literature and by speaking to experts. This can also help students develop their communication skills especially in the context of doing so digitally.

Telemedicine has transformed healthcare delivery, improving patient outcomes and access to care. Medical professionals can leverage the potential of telemedicine effectively by being adept at working remotely while patients can reap the benefits and access healthcare services at home. Therefore, healthcare facilities should educate their personnel about the potential and challenges of remote practice by investing in telemedicine education, which will ultimately improve the standards and accessibility to healthcare for all.

The article is written by Dr T.S. Kler, Chairman & HOD – BLK-Max Heart & Vascular Institute, Chairman Pan Max -Electrophysiology – Heart & Vascular Institute

(DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETHealthworld.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETHealthworld.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly.)

  • Published On Jul 15, 2024 at 05:18 PM IST

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