Among all the methods of consultation, modern day hospitals and health centers use a variety of methods, some of them have started to gain traction during the wake of the COVID- 19 pandemic. Earlier, video conferencing was sought out to be the last resort for any emergency or un availability of the expert. App based video conferencing consultations are on an all time rise, even the situation amplifies its demand.
Consulting your doctor without physically going to the hospital or clinic is quite common these days. But how many of us had envisioned that this could actually become true some 20-30 years back? Not just reality but this has become a panacea for millions around the globe. So, how and when did this start?
The concept of consulting a doctor remotely via electronic communication is called ‘Telemedicine’. This term is often used for describing remote clinical services. To begin with, telemedicine first began as a method/from of delivering healthcare services around 1960s due to the needs of National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA) and Nebraska Psychology Institute. Telemedicine encompasses a wide range of clinical functions such as two doctors discussing a case via video conference, a patient consultation, a surgery (robotic) taking place through remote access and many more. Ever since the advent of telemedicine, there have been a lot of hindrances preventing its widespread. Connectivity and financial issues for instance. Despite numerous barriers, it still became a widely accepted and preferred tool in healthcare system, especially in these days.
Why people like Video Consultation Doctor
Time Saving and Comfortable
Suppose the distance between your house and the hospital is 40 kilometers. You wake up early in order to catch up with your 10:00 AM appointment, but then accidently you get stuck in a jam. Consequently, you miss your 11:00M appointment. With video consultation you can consult your doctor without travelling for long distances.No long queues
So, what is the first thing that comes into your mind when you think about a clinic? Well for me it’s a horde of patients waiting anxiously for their turn to come. Contrary to that you will not have to wait in such long mess for getting consulted, you can get advice from the comfort of your home.Cost effective
Whenever you go to a hospital/clinic, you are using their services right from the moment you entered inside. From the glass of water to the couch you were sitting on, the electricity and many more and not to ignore, the travelling expenses. Certainly the aforementioned things reflect upon your bill. But when you are at your home, probably the only service you are taking s you doctor’s service and nothing else.Boon for patients living in isolated places
This certainly depends upon the connectivity in that area but still if connectivity is good, this is certainly the best option for such patients. This certainly is fuss free method for them.Hygiene
Now, what is our biggest concern outside our houses? Hygiene.. pathogens are omnipresent, going to the hospital can often lead to other complications in addition to your existing one. At home, you don’t have to worry about this issue.Prevention of White Coat Syndrome (WCS)
Many people exhibit high levels of BP in clinical settings by virtue of which they find it difficult to explain their symptoms to the doctor a and yes, diagnosis in such cases becomes difficult.Privacy and Security
Majority of patients do not frequently video-consult their doctor, consequently, they are not familiar with talking to a doctor online and yes, a threat of privacy is also quite common. But with virtual doctor, one can be sure who they are talking to and that they are using a secure system.Refined ways of checking your symptoms
Virtual doctors these days use intelligent symptom identifiers and in such cases, you stand a better chance of identifying your causes and symptoms.Getting to know about your own health
Whenever you got to a hospital it is the doctor who examines you. Starting from your pulse rate to your BP. Many people don’t even know how to check their BP(manually) or pulse rate. But with video consultation, you might, at times be required to test yourself. By doing this, you can learn a lot about your own health. Which ultimately makes you a more informed and self.Online Prescription
Getting prescription is easier, ease of access and real time updates from the physician. There are often times when you can seek your advice with an online consultation or with a doctor. In particular, a doctor can prescribe contraceptives and a variety of allergy medications online..
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