Impacts of Telemedicine Research Paper
Impacts of Telemedicine
This researcher paper outlines the recommendations to practitioners and stakeholders in the healthcare industry based on the findings of a study conducted on the impacts of telemedicine. The analysis will also demonstrate the limitations of the study and application of the findings to ensure better healthcare services to people in society.
The findings of the study are based on three areas of healthcare provision that seem to have recorded a significant change due to the adoption of telemedicine. According to Kvedar, Coye and Everett (2014), among the three aspects that have improved over time due to the introduction of telemedicine include the cost of medication, the quality, and access to healthcare services. Doctors and practitioners can use telemedicine applications to secure essential requirements such as emergency rooms and ambulances an incident that has reduced the cost of healthcare.
There has been the adoption of patient-centered health care homes where the patients can get treatment services and cases of readmission reduced hence contributed to the reduction of cost of healthcare. According to the study findings, the quality of healthcare has also improved due to the introduction of telemedicine. Similarly, access to healthcare services by patients has also been made easy in the healthcare industry since patients can get a doctor's support through their mobile phones. The barrier to proper healthcare services that existed due to distance and inaccessible areas has been eliminated with the introduction of telemedicine.
Limitations
The study findings could also not go without shortcomings, given that there are other people in society who are illiterate and cannot read the prescription and directions of the doctor. Some patients cannot afford mobile phones and computers, this makes them left out of these essential services. Language barrier is also another problem when it comes to telemedicine. The languages that are used by doctors may also not be understood by the patients. A lot of resources need to be invested in telemedicine to facilitate translation and doctor services based on several languages as Grabowski and O’Malley (2014) suggests. Internet and network services that are usually relied on for efficient services may also be a shortcoming to the practice. While conducting the study, the researchers did not get a chance to have enough views of people from the remote areas and the study findings are based on majority views by people from urban areas and surroundings.
Applications of the findings
The findings of the study are essential in the healthcare services provision industry. They demonstrate that people can get quality medication through the use of technology in that the services of doctors and physicians are accessible using gadgets such as mobile phones. The ease of accessibility places a challenge to healthcare institutions, stakeholders and government to put in more efforts to support healthcare services for a healthy society. Health institutions and doctors can use the platform to offer patient-centered services to their clients. To promote efficient healthcare services delivery to the society, the government and stakeholders can engage the internet service providers and telecommunication companies to improve connectivity in remote areas to ensure all people get efficient healthcare services regardless of where they are through telemedicine.
Recommendation: Increased technological advancement and innovation
Development in technology has demonstrated that service provision in the healthcare industry can be cost effective and access. The finding sends a message to the healthcare industry and all the stakeholders on the need to increase the level of innovativeness. By increasing innovation and continued improvement of technology more and cheaper ways of offering patients quality services could be unveiled. The move will contribute to having a healthy society that engages in productive activities for economic and personal development according to Mars (2013). The government, well-wishers, and hospitals should have the aspects of continued technological development in the healthcare industry considered. However, all the ethical aspects as related to healthcare services should be observed.
Recommendation: Continued research
The success of any new course of actions depends on consistent and quality research. Hospitals, scientists, and practitioners in the healthcare industry should continue with research on better healthcare services provision. According to Dye, Reeder and Terry (2013), it is also essential to note that advanced technology comes with several limitations such as swindles and unethical use of the platforms. Continued research will be critical to help tackle the challenges that come with the use of technology in healthcare services provision. Through research, practitioners can find the best ways of covering the populations in remote areas and those that are illiterate.
Recommendation: Adherence to the code of ethics
While telemedicine has proven to give a positive outcome in the provision of quality healthcare services similar to that offered face to face to patients, it is essential for practitioners to observe all the code of ethics. As Chretien and Kind (2013) demonstrate, ethical practices in healthcare services provision are critical, failure to which practitioners are likely to face legal charges or a damaged reputation. It is recommended for practitioners to stick to their professional obligations when using telemedicine services since they are likely to be accountable for any damages and negative effects caused to the patients.
Conclusion
According to studies, telemedicine has proven to have more merits in the provision of healthcare services compared to demerits. However, bears some shortcomings such as a low representation of people from rural areas to approve the merits of the practice. Language barrier, poor connectivity and lack of electronic gadgets among the poor are some of the gaps in the use of telemedicine. On the other hand, quality, access and reduced cost of healthcare are the merits of the practice according to Ekeland, Bowes, and Flottorp (2010). Stakeholders, the government, and hospitals should direct more resources towards technological advancement and continued research to ensure the society continues to enjoy the benefits of telemedicine. While the practice has proven to be effective, it is necessary for practitioners using it to embrace all aspects of healthcare ethics to avoid reputation damage and legal liability.
References
Chretien, K. C., & Kind, T. (2013). Social media and clinical care ethical, professional, and social implications. Circulation, 127(13), 1413-1421.
Dye, C., Reeder, J. C., & Terry, R. F. (2013). Research for universal health coverage. Science translational medicine, 5(199), 199ed13-199ed13.
Ekeland, A. G., Bowes, A., &Flottorp, S. (2010). The effectiveness of telemedicine: a systematic review of reviews. International journal of medical informatics, 79(11), 736-771.
Grabowski, D. C., & O'Malley, A. J. (2014). Use of telemedicine can reduce hospitalizations of nursing home residents and generate savings for Medicare. Health Affairs, 33(2), 244-250.
Kvedar, J., Coye, M. J., & Everett, W. (2014). Connected health: a review of technologies and strategies to improve patient care with telemedicine and telehealth. Health Affairs, 33(2), 194-199.
Mars, M. (2013). Telemedicine and advances in urban and rural healthcare delivery in Africa. Progress in cardiovascular diseases, 56(3), 326-335.
