According to healthcare industry experts in the UAE, telemedicine has emerged as a preferable option for elder care, offering greater convenience for both patients and their families, particularly in handling non-emergency situations remotely or virtually.
Dr. Shanila Laiju, the Group CEO at Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres, highlighted the significance of teleconsultation for the elderly and high-risk populations, emphasizing its role in ensuring safety by minimizing exposure risks and providing accessible healthcare in the face of mobility challenges.
The Covid-19 pandemic has played a pivotal role in raising awareness and utilization of telemedicine and teleconsultations, serving as a convenient alternative for healthcare services. The simplicity of scheduling appointments and adherence to secure remote healthcare guidelines have contributed to the popularity of these services.
Despite its association with elder care, telemedicine is not restricted to a specific category, as individuals from various groups have embraced it. Dr. Omar Nabi Siraj, Head of Operations at Thumbay University Hospital, emphasized the accessibility of telemedicine, allowing individuals to connect with doctors through video calls from any location, with increased awareness leading to greater utilization.
Healthcare experts underscored the time-saving benefits of telemedicine, enabling flexible appointment scheduling within a doctor's duty hours and eliminating the constraints of traffic and travel. Virtual consultations from the comfort of home or workplace have become a practical option, benefiting patients across age groups and medical conditions.
The demand for teleconsultation has surged across healthcare domains due to its adaptability, proving popular for primary care, routine check-ups, and managing minor ailments without physical visits. Chronic disease management, specialized care access, and postoperative follow-ups are highlighted as areas where telemedicine excels.
Notably, teleconsultation has made a significant impact in the field of mental health, providing a patient-centered experience that facilitates open and honest discussions. Dr. Omar emphasized the platform's ability to break down barriers in communication and expressed its potential to moderate costs related to mental healthcare, contributing to the social responsibility of healthcare providers in the UAE.
Advantages of Virtual Consultation
Healthcare experts have highlighted the transformative impact of virtual consultations on healthcare, manifesting in several ways:
1. Unprecedented Convenience: Virtual consultations offer unparalleled convenience, enabling individuals to connect with healthcare professionals regardless of their location.
2. Expanded Access to Specialized Care: The reach of specialized healthcare has broadened, particularly benefiting individuals in remote areas who can now access expert medical advice.
3. Reduction in Unnecessary ER Visits: Immediate medical advice provided through virtual consultations has led to a decrease in unnecessary visits to the emergency room, streamlining healthcare services.
4. Continuity of Care for Chronic Conditions: Regular virtual check-ins ensure the ongoing and consistent care of individuals with chronic conditions, promoting a proactive approach to managing health.
5. Enhanced Access to Mental Health Services: Virtual consultations have played a crucial role in improving access to mental health services, providing a more accessible platform for individuals to seek assistance and support.
6. Mitigation of Infection Risks: Particularly significant during health crises like the Covid-19 pandemic, virtual consultations have been instrumental in reducing infection risks by minimizing physical contact and enabling remote healthcare interactions.