The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly accelerated the adoption of telehealth technology, through which risk of transmission of the virus was reduced by limiting in-person interactions as well as to keep up with the increased demand for healthcare services.
To address the needs of the pandemic situation, governments and healthcare organizations worldwide have rapidly scaled up their telehealth services.
Telehealth technology refers to the use of electronic communication and information technologies to provide healthcare services remotely. This can include video consultations with healthcare providers, remote monitoring of vital signs, and secure messaging for communication between patients and healthcare providers.
According to BIS Research, the global telemedicine market was valued at $21.55 billion in 2019, which is projected to reach $123.0 billion till 2030, growing with a CAGR of 17.16% during the forecast period 2019–2030.
Telehealth can be used to provide a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, mental health services, and specialty care.
Some of the most common applications of telehealth technology include:
This allows patients to have virtual appointments with healthcare providers using video conferencing technology. This can be used for general check-ups, follow-up appointments and even some diagnostic procedures.
This allows healthcare providers to monitor patients’ vital signs and other health data remotely. This can include devices such as blood pressure cuffs, glucose meters, and wearable fitness trackers.
This allows patients to communicate with healthcare providers through secure messaging platforms. This can be used for follow-up questions, medication refills, and other non-urgent matters.
It allows healthcare professionals to participate in remote learning opportunities such as webinars, teleconferences, and online training.
It allows rehabilitation services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and mental health therapy to be delivered remotely.
It refers to the use of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets to deliver healthcare services. This can include apps for tracking symptoms, providing health information, and connecting with healthcare providers.
With expansion of accessible healthcare, shortage of qualified physicians, and significant advancements in telecommunication technology, telemedicine market is expected to be on the rise.
Teladoc app allows patients to schedule virtual visits with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers. Patients can also use the app to view their medical history, track their symptoms, and message their providers.
MDLIVE app is a telemedicine platform that connects patients with doctors and other healthcare providers for non-emergency medical issues. It allows patients to schedule virtual consultations with doctors and other healthcare providers using video conferencing.
Lemonade is a telemedicine and mail-order pharmacy app that connects patients with doctors and other healthcare providers. The app allows patients to schedule virtual consultations with doctors, who can diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, including birth control, depression and anxiety, urinary tract infections, high blood pressure, and many more.
Practo is a telemedicine platform that connects patients with doctors and other healthcare providers. It offers a directory of healthcare providers, enabling users to find and book appointments with doctors, clinics, and hospitals in their area.
Amwell is a telemedicine platform that provides on-demand medical care for a wide range of conditions. They offer virtual consultations with licensed physicians, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals. Users can access the platform through the Amwell app or website and can schedule appointments or have a consultation with a doctor on-demand.
The future of telemedicine and telehealth technology is expected to continue growing as advancements in medical technology make it easier to remotely diagnose and treat patients.
The use of virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and other advanced technologies in telemedicine is expected to improve the quality of care and make it more accessible to people in remote or underserved areas.
With the accelerated adoption of telemedicine and telehealth, many medical practices will likely become permanent fixtures in the healthcare system.
