Technology has and is still playing a crucial role in transforming the healthcare sector. Nowadays, there are many wellness apps and devices on the market built to help individuals monitor their health and fitness levels. Software engineers and stakeholders in the healthcare industry have been working on products to improve access to care, convenience, and overall patient experience.
There has been tremendous success, leading to the creation of telehealth solutions, aka telemedicine. These solutions leverage the power of IoT to deliver healthcare services remotely. A good example is nutritionists and fitness trainers providing training and diet routines virtually to their clients.
Herein, we take a look at the advantages of telehealth solutions and what the future looks like. We will also compare off-the-shelf vs. tailor-made telehealth apps and why most healthcare providers prefer the latter.
Improved Service Delivery
Geographical barriers have limited some people from accessing quality healthcare services. Also affected are patients who have limited mobility. Telehealth solutions have bridged this gap, allowing patients from anywhere with internet access to get quality healthcare via virtual support.
This has become beneficial for patients suffering from chronic ailments requiring regular checkups. In such cases, patients don’t need to visit the doctor in person for regular checkups or consultations. Instead, they can hop on a video call with the physician and discuss their progress.
Cheap and Cost-Effective
Telehealth solutions from Empeek make healthcare more affordable. Patients don’t have to worry about transport fees or traveling to and from the doctor’s office. Also, think of the time you will save. Most telehealth apps are equipped with automated scheduling systems, allowing doctors to manage consultations more effectively.
Patients don’t have to worry about skipping work to go to the doctor. They will get a notification informing them of their appointment date and time. All they need to do is hop on the call and get help from the physician.
Integration with Technology
Sometimes human resources can get stretched, especially when you factor in the amount of work healthcare workers do behind the scenes. Telehealth solutions are taking over some of the jobs with a good example being record keeping and management. The apps can be integrated with other systems like the electronic health records management system.
Advanced telehealth systems come with secure messaging platforms, allowing communication between patients and providers. Some apps can also receive and manage data from fitness wearables used by patients.
But with the good that telehealth solutions offer, there are still risks involved.
Malicious Hackers and Data Integrity
The number one risk most telehealth apps have is data integrity due to attacks from malicious hackers. Health data is a goldmine, and hackers are always looking for backdoors and weak points in the system. Building a 100% foolproof system isn’t possible, but with adequate security options, it is easier to keep the systems safer.
The first solution in such cases is reviewing security features and updating them regularly. Network segmentation, allowing different services to use private network addresses can keep the system and data safe from hackers.
Regulations and Service Fees
Healthcare regulations and standardization policies vary from state to state. This can often make service delivery more challenging if you are providing healthcare services across state lines. The other issue is about service fees and reimbursement.
There needs to be policies to regulate fees charged during service delivery and to handle reimbursement if the patient is not satisfied or wishes to get help from another healthcare provider.
Substandard Fitness Apps and Wearables
A lot of the fitness apps and wearables on the market don’t collect the right data. Some telehealth solutions can integrate with third-party fitness devices. There is a lot of risk associated with using the wrong data to diagnose patients.
Herein, the onus lies with the users to get quality fitness and wellness apps. Healthcare providers must also ensure that their patients use recommended fitness trackers to avoid corrupting patient data with the wrong information from their wearables.
If you are planning to get a telehealth solution for your clinic or wellness center, the biggest question on your mind is whether to go for an off-the-shelf or tailor-made system.
Bloatware and Generic Features
This is a debate that has been raging on for years. However, when you explore the pros and cons, tailor-made solutions come out on top. Most off-the-shelf telehealth solutions come with generic features that are not tailored to meet specific health provider’s needs.
Another major issue with off-the-shelf apps is bloatware. The idea of creating a one-fits-all solution is the reason behind the many features, most of which aren’t effective. However, with custom-made apps, stakeholders can build a prototype with core features and add more services over time.
Time and Cost Issues
Off-the-shelf telehealth apps are cheaper than custom-made solutions. They are effective if you want systems in place and ready to serve your patients. With tailor-made apps, you must factor the time needed to assemble an in-house team of developers and get through the whole system development life-cycle. With time being of the essence, this can be more challenging to achieve.
Security and Data Risk
Off-the-shelf telehealth solutions can come with installed backdoor features allowing developers to steal data or spy on your customers and services. This is a giant risk considering that patient data must be private and confidential.
With custom-made apps, you can regulate who has access to the patient’s data and information. You can also ensure that the system is built as per the HIPPA regulations to avoid massive lawsuits from your customers later.
The Future of Telehealth
Telehealth apps and services are still new on the market. The latest tech evolution will address some risks and make the solution more secure and effective. Telehealth will extend beyond consultations to encompass remote patient monitoring.
Telehealth solutions offer a transformative approach to healthcare delivery. The goal is to integrate more features and leverage IoT and AI technology to boost efficiency and service delivery.
By addressing existing challenges and embracing technological advancements, telehealth has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry.
