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【telemedicine】 The future development of telemedicine

telemedicine The future development of telemedicine

Dr. Chan is pleasantly shocked when he sees the latest news about the growth of telemedicine. The global telemedicine market size is projected to grow tremendously to USD 55.6 billion 2025 from USD 25.4 billion in 2020, at a compound annual growth rate of 16.9% during the forecast period.

Telemedicine has become more important than ever over the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The creation of communication devices capable of providing high-quality communications, both audio and video, has contributed to the development of telemedicine.

 

4 major trends in telemedicine

We will list out the telemedicine trends and explain how they can redefine this sector and enhance customer experience.

 

1.  Build up Big Data 

The big data market would become one of the most prominent trends in the healthcare industry.

Not only the Electronic Health Record (EHR) domain has been beneficial from the growth of big data analytics, but the below healthcare domains will gain advantage from the big data trend in 2022 and beyond:

  • Removed medication mistakes
  • Fewer waiting time
  • Improve service quality
  • Greater security
  • Preventive care over reactive care
  • Greater personalized treatment and medicine

 

2. Artificial Intelligence

AI is shaping our modern-day healthcare delivery. It is a technology that enables machines to comprehend, sense, learn, analyze and act like humans to an extent that they are capable of performing a number of clinical and administrative healthcare functions, which can improve the speed and accuracy of the diagnosis process.

The main reasons driving the adoption of AI in healthcare include, the growing need to reduce healthcare costs, complex healthcare record, and the increasing need to tackle the imbalance between the health workforce and patients.

 

3. Technological shifts

The emergence of 5G technology provides a powerful network which is essential for delivering medical images, remote patient monitoring, virtual consultation etc. Equipment, Medicines, and multiple other healthcare needs can also be determined by using real time technology.

Other technologies like the internet of things, blockchain and cloud technology can also make it easier for patients to manage their health.

 

4. VR/AR applications and virtual visits

VR technology isn’t just for entertainment, it's gaining immense significance in the healthcare industry.From educating and training healthcare professionals to planning medical procedures, AR/VR helps both patients and doctors to deliver better services and experience.

For example, medical students and professionals can practice complex procedures, and get instant feedback through the VR-based applications. The healthcare providers can explain everything to the patients via 3D interactive models, which improves the consultation quality.

 

Conclusion:

These tech trends are the future of telemedicine. If it continues to evolve, we can enjoy a more convenient and qualified telemedicine service in the future.

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【Telemedicine】Telemedicine:Benefits and limitations for patients

TelemedicineTelemedicine:Benefits and limitations for patients

Mr.Li and his wife were unfortunately infected with the coronavirus, and required to enter the quarantine hotel. They wanted to get some medical advice, but they were not sure if telemedicine was right for them, and what its limitations were.

 

Benefits of telemedicine 

  • No transportation
  • No need to take time off
  • Convenient access to care for people with disabilities and remote areas
  • Reduce the risk of infection
  • Easy access to specialists
  • No waiting time in healthcare facilities
  • Improved management of medication, lifestyle, and chronic conditions
  • Easier access to preventive care to improve long-term health

 

Limitations of telemedicine

Even though telemedicine has many advantages, there are some limitations as well.

 1. Lack of equipment

Telemedicine seems handy for us. Patients just have to create an account and consult with the doctors. However, the situation is more complicated than that. Telemedicine requires a large amount of equipment and IT staff. Many healthcare institutions may not have enough financial power to provide telemedicine services. This leaves many patients deprived of it. Besides, if the system isn't implemented properly, it could affect user experiences and lose their confidence in using video consultation.

 2. No in-person consultations

Many providers and patients like “face-to-face consultation”, if you are one of them, you probably opt out of telemedicine. Many conditions require a physical exam to ensure treatment is on the right track and telemedicine can’t help in this case. However, it still can be a good option for cases that don’t require checkups.

3. Reduced care continuity

Telemedicine allows patients to use on-demand service that connects them with random physicians, in these circumstances, the care continuity suffers. This is because clinicians don't have medical records and other important information about that patient. Consultation depends strongly on a person’s medical records from previous visits. This problem can be solved with improved data solutions in healthcare.

 

Conclusion:

Telemedicine offers patients numerous advantages, but it has some limitations as well. These limitations are manageable and we can expect them to be solved  as this type of healthcare service thrives amid covid-19.

 

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【telemedicine】What is telemedicine?

【telemedicine】What is telemedicine?

Mr. Ma lost one leg and suffered from aftereffects after a traffic accident. He needs to have long-term consultations, but it’s difficult for him to go to the hospital or clinic every time. He even needs his friends to accompany him to the hospital. Recently, several medical institutions launched their telemedicine programme, and doctors can use video software to consult with the patients. Mr. Ma thinks it’s very convenient, but he doesn’t have enough confidence to use it, so he wants to know more about what telemedicine is.

 

Learn About Telemedicine

Telemedicine involves the usage of video, audio and computer systems like telephone, messages, WhatsApp, email and other forms of electronic communication to provide medical and health care services to patients. Telemedicine has grown increasingly popular due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is an excellent alternative to direct consultation at a hospital as it carries the desirable factor of convenience. By simply clicking a button, patients can receive direct diagnosis, learn treatment options or receive a prescription. In some cases, healthcare providers such as hospitals can even remotely monitor your condition from medical devices. Telemedicine is definitely beneficial to modern society.

There are three different types of telemedicine:

1) Interactive medicine - in which physicians and patients are able to exchange information in real time.

2) Remote patient monitoring - caregivers are able to closely observe patients who use mobile medical devices to collect data on blood pressure, blood glucose levels, etc.

3) Store and forward - providers gain access to share the patient’s health information with other healthcare professionals or specialists.

 

When is telemedicine applied?

Telemedicine is simply not a viable option in emergency cases such as heart attacks, strokes, cuts, lacerations, etc. To add onto this, telemedicine cannot be used for broken bones, which will require splints, X-rays or casts. Any issue that requires prompt, direct care must be handled in real life. Despite this, telemedicine is very useful for simple issues and consultations that can be followed up immediately. For example, if you suspect that the wound caused by cutting onions last week could potentially be infected, you could always schedule a virtual consultation with your healthcare provider to discuss any symptoms. In short, the possibilities of using telemedicine are endless!

 

Moreover, telemedicine can also be used for various other health issues, comprising of psychotherapy and teledermatology. This offers consultations of moles, rashes, and other suspected skin diseases. Colds, insect bites, sore throats ,and diarrhea are some other common issues addressed using telemedicine.

 

Benefits of telemedicine services

1) The easy access/ convenience factor

In cases where a patient lives in a remote area in which medical facilities are absent, or has a non-flexible schedule that doesn’t allow time to visit a physician, telemedicine can aid in improvement of the patient's overall health and standard of living.

 

2) Financial benefits

As telemedicine becomes more common, more insurance plans begin to cover telemedicine visits at the same rate as in-person doctor visits.

 

Conclusion:

With the rapid development of innovative technology, telemedicine has broken through the space boundary and allowed more patients to receive timely treatment. Catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has become an important part of future medical development. The development potential of telemedicine is huge. If the advantages of telemedicine can be further developed, it is believed that the flexibility of medical institutions can be improved.

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【Telemedicine】Telemedicine Guide: Your first journey to video consultation

TelemedicineTelemedicine Guide: Your first journey to video consultation

 

Mr. Wong is a chronic patient who needs to have follow-up consultations regularly at hospital or clinic. However, he thinks it wastes a lot of time going out for medical treatments. He has been busy with work recently, so he wants to try telemedicine. He thinks it’s very convenient, and wants to get prepared for his first try.

 

Is telemedicine right for you?

  • Can your electronic device support a video call? You’ll need a reliable and stable internet connection and gadgets like smartphone, tablet or laptop computer to download the video consultation app.
  • Will it be a First or a Follow up consultation? If this is your first time to use video consultation, check with the professional first. Your physician will judge whether your condition is suitable to be assessed in a video call. If you need a physical examination, you probably need to attend the clinic in person.
  • Check with your agent to see if your insurance will cover the cost.

Choose your location

  • You need to stay in a position where you can have a stable internet connection for clear image and sound.
  • Choose a quiet, well lit area where you won’t be interrupted or distracted.
  • Sit in a comfortable seat, positioned upright and forwards so your doctor can see you clearly.
  • If you want someone sitting in with you, please make sure there is room for them. It helps the doctor if they can be seen too. Their reactions and comments give useful hints.

Choose your device

  • A desktop, laptop computer, android tablet, iPad or Iphone are devices which you can use for telemedicine.
  • Check that the camera is clear.
  • Check whether the microphone and amplifier are working properly.
  • Allow camera and microphone permissions when using the consultation app.
  • Make sure your device has enough power.

Which app or software to use?

  • It is better to choose local telemedicine providers in Hong Kong, because they need to comply with local medical laws and conditions.
  • Choose the application or software which includes your required specialists.

Prepare what you want to talk about and for what you might be asked

  • Think about what you want to talk about. If necessary, make a list.
  • Include when your symptoms began and how they developed. For symptoms like skin problems, show them on the screen.
  • Jot down a list of any past medical conditions, and provide any relevant medical reports you may have, doctor’s reports, test results.
  • Have any medications upset you? Any allergies?
  • Have you had any relevant tests, like X Rays or MRI results? When were they done? What were the report results?
  • For a follow up consult, consider how things have changed – what has improved and what hasn’t?
  • If you are on medication – has it helped or not?
  • Do your relatives have similar problems?

The consultation

  • Settle in 15 minutes early.
  • Check whether the application or software is working properly.
  • Provide your identification document to the doctor as required by the telemedicine law in Hong Kong.
  • Check if you are the one to call in or wait to be contacted. When the call starts – check you are speaking to the right person. Introduce anyone else even if they are off camera.
  • Check you and the doctor have a clear image and sound.
  • Don’t be put off if the doctor isn’t always looking at you ‘eye to eye’ because they need to look down to make notes etc.
  • Check your list as you go along to make sure everything you want to cover is discussed.

Winding up the consultation

  • Request a summary or ask for clarification for things that you missed out or don’t understand.
  • Agree the plan, tests, treatments and the next steps including:
    • follow up appointment
    • prescription for medication if needed
    • what to do if things don’t go as planned

After the consultation

  • You should receive a report about the summary of the consultation.
  • If necessary, sick leave certificate and referral letter can also be provided.
  • If anything has been missed out, misunderstood or if you remember something extra do contact the doctor.
  • Let your doctor know how you felt the consultation went and how it could be improved.
  • Follow up drug arrival time

Conclusion:

If you’ve gotten this far, you have probably become familiar with telemedicine. Just try and see if telemedicine is the right choice for you!

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【telemedicine】How telemedicine can offer benefits to patients and professionals?

Angel felt weak when she got up. After she measured her body temperature, she found that she had a fever. She called her boss to ask for leave, and decided to go to see a doctor to get medicine and a sick leave certificate. However, she was feeble, and decided to give telemedicine a try. It was easy to use, and Angel could consult with a doctor without having to go out. Medicine was delivered to home very soon.

 

What is telemedicine?

Telemedicine is a way of providing medical care remotely, usually through a dedicated telemedicine app. It provides a wide range of care options, including general consultations, psychotherapy, physical therapy, and other specialists’ services. The emergence of telemedicine offers a range of benefits for both patients and healthcare providers, especially during the covid-19 pandemic.

 

Applications of Telemedicine

Doctors and patients can use telemedicine to:

Assess whether or not the patient needs treatment in person

Provide certain kinds of medical care, such as counselling services and specialist referrals 

Consult, adjust and refill the prescribed medication

Review medial test, laboratory and radiological investigation report

Discuss treatment plan 

 

For patients who must practice physical distancing, such as staying in quarantine or unable to go to clinic or hospital in person, telemedicine is a handy alternative option.

 

Benefits for patients

Telemedicine can help treat various medical conditions. It is most effective when a person seeks care from qualified professionals and describes their symptoms clearly.

1. Convenience: 

Telemedicine allows people to consult with physicians in their own safe and private homes. Patients can also take more time to rest without commuting and waiting in the queue in a healthcare facility.

2. Improved access to care:

Disabilities and elderly could access care more easily through telemedicine.

3. Avoid cross-infection: 

Going to the clinic or hospital means being around people who may be sick. This may pose harm for people with underlying conditions or weak immune systems. Telemedicine can reduce the risk of cross-infection.

 

Benefits for healthcare providers

1. Additional revenue stream: 

Telemedicine provides another way for clinicians to supplement their incomes, as they can provide care to more patients.

2. Avoid exposure to pathogens: 

When medical professionals see patients remotely, they can avoid the exposure to germs and viruses.

3. Patient satisfaction: 

Patients may be more satisfied as they don’t have to travel to the clinic or wait for care.

 

Summary

Patients with conditions that don't require laboratory tests or a physical examination can work well with telemedicine. For acute situations like covid-19 pandemic, or patients who live far away from medical facilities, professionals can expand the list of conditions they are willing to treat. However, it is important that patients check the qualification of the doctor providing care.

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2020

In 2020 January, we launched our telemedicine services to all Hong Kong citizens to tackle the healthcare challenges and burdens brought by the COVID-19 outbreak.