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Posted: January 2nd, 2024
Consider the various types of technology available (e.g. telehealth, Geographic Information systems, mobile devices). Select a type of information technology and summarize how it can be used safely to improve public health.
Submit one reference in correct APA format to your initial posting and one reference . However only websites ending in .org, .edu, or .gov are acceptable. References must be published within the last 5 years. References are not included in word count.
Telehealth: Enhancing Access to Care Through Technology
Introduction
As advancements in digital technologies continue to evolve healthcare delivery, telehealth has emerged as an innovative way to connect patients with providers remotely. By leveraging telecommunication tools, telehealth expands access to clinical services regardless of location. During times of crisis like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth plays a critical role in maintaining care continuity while reducing risks of virus exposure and transmission. When implemented appropriately with privacy and security measures, telehealth demonstrates potential to enhance public health.
Defining Telehealth
Telehealth refers to the use of digital technologies and telecommunication tools to deliver remote clinical healthcare services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022). This includes a wide range of e-health applications from videoconferencing appointments to remote patient monitoring devices that securely transmit medical data to providers for review. Telehealth aims to provide virtual care alternatives that reduce barriers to accessing medical, mental, and behavioral health services.
Benefits of Telehealth
A major benefit of telehealth is expanding access to care for populations in rural and underserved areas that face provider shortages or transportation difficulties (American Hospital Association [AHA], n.d.). By connecting patients with specialists via video chat, telehealth brings specialized expertise directly to communities. This is especially impactful for ongoing management of chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension that require frequent monitoring (Harvard Health Publishing, 2020).
Telehealth also benefits patients by reducing time away from work, school, or family responsibilities for medical appointments (Mayo Clinic, 2018). Virtual visits eliminate travel costs and time spent commuting to physical offices. During times of community spread for infectious diseases, telehealth allows patients to receive care safely from home without risking virus exposure.
Remote patient monitoring further empowers patients to actively manage their health between provider visits. Devices can securely transmit vital signs like blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and oxygen saturation to medical teams for timely review (GoodRx, 2022). This early detection of health changes enables proactive treatment interventions that prevent more serious complications.
Applications in Public Health
Telehealth shows promise across various public health applications when implemented with appropriate privacy and security protocols. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth played a critical role in containing virus spread by reducing unnecessary in-person encounters. It has since become a mainstream care modality supporting chronic disease management, behavioral health services, and health education initiatives.
For example, telehealth facilitates virtual medical appointments allowing providers to evaluate and treat patients remotely via video chat services. It also supports remote patient monitoring programs where high-risk patients can use digital devices at home to regularly transmit health data for review by medical teams. This virtual care model safely maintains care continuity for vulnerable populations.
Additionally, telehealth enables digital communication between multidisciplinary provider teams. Through secure virtual consultations, it empowers community health workers and paramedics to access timely specialty guidance on complex cases from distant experts. This type of telehealth consultation strengthens the capacity of rural primary care networks.
Privacy and Security Considerations
While telehealth expands access to care, its rapid adoption also introduces privacy and security risks that must be addressed to protect patients and safeguard confidential health information. Providers utilizing telehealth platforms must implement strong authentication protocols, encrypt transmitted data, and regularly update systems against cyber threats. Patients should only use services that clearly communicate privacy policies and obtain necessary consents. With proper protocols and education, telehealth’s benefits can be safely actualized.
Conclusion
When applied judiciously with appropriate privacy safeguards, telehealth presents opportunities to enhance public health delivery. By connecting patients with providers through virtual care modalities, telehealth expands access to clinical services, chronic disease management, and health education/prevention initiatives. As digital technologies continue advancing healthcare, telehealth will remain an important tool supporting virtual care delivery, especially during times that require social distancing measures. With ongoing evaluation and improvements, telehealth shows promise for sustainably improving population health outcomes.
References
American Hospital Association. (n.d.). Fact sheet: Telehealth. https://www.aha.org/factsheet/telehealth
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, February 22). About telehealth. https://www.cdc.gov/phlp/publications/topic/telehealth.html
GoodRx. (2022). What are the benefits of telehealth? https://goodrxhelps.org/healthcare-access/telehealth/telehealth-benefits-for-patients
Harvard Health Publishing. (2020, August). Telehealth: The advantages and disadvantages. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/telehealth-the-advantages-and-disadvantages
Mayo Clinic. (2018, August 31). Telehealth: Technology meets healthcare. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/telehealth/art-20044878
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