The world has learned a lot about efficiency and remote-accessibility since the beginning of the COVID-19 health emergency. Working from home, virtual zoom classes, and online shopping in the last year have eliminated many of the previously conceived hindrances of virtually accessed services. Nothing has seen a bigger shift, however, than the healthcare industry.
Telehealth has had a strong impact on the way medical services are administered in the modern age, and a lot of this impact is long-lasting. Now one of the largest-growing corners of the healthcare field, telehealth services have dominated everything from therapy sessions to pharmacy services, and everything in between.
Now with the shift to digitize, many companies are starting to examine the data collection processes among other factors, looking for ways to increase the quality of telehealth services.
"Selection of information and technology tools, video platform enhancements, and process improvement initiatives are keys to growing and sustaining quality telehealth programs,” said Dr. Saima Aftab, the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, Florida. She believes that proper data collection and user support services are the keys to expanding telehealth services and encouraging patient usability.
Data and the way it is collected help measure and detect medical outcomes and improve access to medical care through providing predictive analytics, according to Dr. Aftab. There is an underlying importance in telehealth services storing data in a way that is accessible and easily understandable by the user. Because telehealth services often come at a reduced cost to many users, the key to smooth transition lies in putting customers at the forefront and giving them the tools to be in charge of their own health information.
Another important aspect of improving remote health services for future use is creating an interface that is accessible to both the patient and the healthcare provider. This includes the inclusion of educational tools for operation, patient-facing manuals, and adequate customer service access to assist patients. From a healthcare provider standpoint, the need for proper training and standardization of processes are key to providing clear and coherent services to those that need them.
With time, proper adjustment, and adequate internet access for patients, telehealth has the potential to evolve into the global standard of healthcare.
