Not that long ago, when you had a doctor’s appointment, you would plan ahead of time and juggle your schedule to have enough time to get from your home or work to the doctor’s office. Amid the unprecedented coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, telehealth gained traction after orders to stay home and practice social distancing became the norm.
Now, telehealth is poised to be an important tool for the future of health care delivery.
What is it?
With telehealth, providers and patients are connecting through video conferencing, online chat portals and telephone conversations for health-related services.
Many organizations have been working on adopting telehealth as part of their continuum of care for years now. In 2019, 106 organizations rolled out telehealth services, according to Becker's Hospital Review. Currently, 76 percent of U.S. hospitals connect with patients and consulting practitioners through the use of video and other technology, according to the American Hospital Association.
In the wake of this highly contagious virus, the ongoing work and conversations about a digital alternative have allowed for a quick and smooth transition from in-person visits to tele-visits. Most importantly, it has helped to keep providers and patients on the front lines safe.
“Telehealth breaks down some of the logistical barriers, such as getting rides to and from the doctor’s office,” said Andrew McGlone, MD, physician at Anne Arundel Medical Group Annapolis Primary Care. “With stay at home orders or recommendations, telehealth is an opportunity to continue to deliver health care.”
Now, Luminis Health hospitals Anne Arundel Medical Center and Doctors Community Health System in Prince George’s County administer telehealth care to thousands of patients.
Before COVID-19, telehealth visits each month were in the low hundreds. Following the social isolation restrictions, AAMC scheduled more than 6,600 telehealth visits in March and over 21,000 visits in April.
What are the pros and cons?
Convenience and quicker access to care are the top pros Dr. McGlone outlined, adding that some of his patients have expressed liking the increased flexibility telemedicine offers them.
“Technology always advances our ability to care for patients,” said Dr. McGlone. “The coronavirus pandemic has revealed the possibilities of telemedicine for care delivery. Health care systems, patients and providers will work together to continue to shape this health care experience and integrate new technologies for care at home.”
However, not every patient concern lends itself to a video experience. For example, it can be hard to check vital signs if a patient doesn’t have a home kit or listen to someone’s lungs through the phone. And then, of course, there is the logistical challenge of telehealth.
“It was quickly recognized not everyone would have access to a smartphone, tablet, or a computer with video capabilities” McGlone said.
Logistically, the share of Americans that own smartphones is now 81 percent, according to survey by Pew Research. However, there is still a digital divide that prevents telehealth from being a viable option for everyone.
“There is a population with a lot of restrictions to access telehealth, which wasn’t a deliverable we had prior to COVID-19,” Dr. McGlone said. “The outbreak of COVID-19 revealed this gap to us ,and we as a health care system are looking into ways of addressing this. Whether that’s more integrated home devices that check vital signs and allow for telehealth or giving out tablets with wireless cards, this is a great opportunity for us to use what we’re learning to close this gap.”
Will telehealth stay?
For those looking to advance care, COVID-19 has become a springboard for the implementation of telehealth on a bigger scale, Dr. McGlone said. Telehealth reveals a new possibility and is an opportunity to improve care in general – whether it’s the way doctors interact with patients or the outcomes of those connections.
“This is an advancement in our field that will present many new opportunities to deliver care to our patients,” Dr. McGlone said.
Of course, there will remain a large portion of what doctors do that will necessitate a physical visit. Yet, telehealth is a tool that can boost access to care and integrate really well if combined with in-person care.
“AAMC has always been very innovative and welcoming of new technologies,” he said. “Once we realize that it’s convenient and possible, it’s hard to imagine going back to our previous state.”
Andrew McGlone, MD, is a physician at Anne Arundel Medical Group Annapolis Primary Care. You can reach him at 443-481-1150.
