Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and more create a significant challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Managing these conditions often requires consistent and long-term medical attention. Telehealth technology has risen as an innovative tool, offering a new approach to the management of these chronic illnesses. This article will delve into the transformative role of telehealth in the management of chronic diseases, exploring its potential to enhance patient care, improve health outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs.
Woman with chronic disease using video call on monitor for telehealth
Telehealth Benefits in Chronic Disease Care
1. Convenient Access to Frequent Care
In a typical healthcare setting, providers often have tightly-packed schedules, which means they have to move quickly between rooms in less than 30 minutes. Unfortunately, this can sometimes result in appointments with chronic disease patients not fully addressing their needs or obtaining essential information for ongoing care.1Managing a chronic disease requires regular and frequent visits to the doctor, which can be burdensome for both the patient and the provider. Whether it's due to time constraints, transportation issues, weather, or mobility issues, patients dealing with chronic diseases face many obstacles in accessing healthcare.
Telehealth alleviates these burdens by enabling patients to attend appointments from the comfort of their own homes. This not only creates a more relaxed atmosphere for conversations but also empowers patients to take a more active role in the decision-making process. It is also easier for family members or loved ones to be (virtually) present and participate in the visits.1
By offering more frequent care between in-person visits, providers are able to easily see how a patient is doing on a new diet or medications and further explain test results or how to use monitoring devices at home. This is invaluable to a patient dealing with chronic disease.3
2. Higher Quality of Care
Not only are patients able to receive more frequent care, but studies have shown that the quality of care and quality of life increases when chronic disease patients are able to chat with their provider more frequently. In this journal, patients who utilized telehealth chronic disease management systems (TCDMS) saw a positive effect on their physical, mental, and social quality of life across multiple chronic diseases.2
Patient calling medic on telehealth
Regular contact also offers the advantage of detecting changes in the patient's health status sooner rather than later. By quickly addressing these concerns, telehealth plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal health conditions and minimizing hospital re-admissions for chronic disease patients. The improved patient-provider interaction, disease management, and patient compliance show a remarkable increase in the quality of care provided to chronic disease patients through telehealth.
While telehealth cannot completely replace in-person visits for patients managing chronic diseases, it can significantly enhance the overall experience and bring numerous benefits to both patients and healthcare providers. The increased accessibility to healthcare professionals and medical information motivates patients to adhere more effectively to medication and lifestyle adjustments, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.
Before Covid-19, telehealth was present, but its progress was moving slowly as not many people were taking advantage of it. Following the many stay-at-home orders during the pandemic, healthcare was forced to turn to telehealth as its main platform of care. Telehealth quickly shifted from a previously slow adoption rate to a record speed of uptake. With this uptake, attention was brought to the healthcare industry and the gaps in access to quality care.
Understanding Healthcare Accessibility
The issue of healthcare affordability and accessibility does not have one simple solution. The outbreak of COVID-19 has shed light on the gaps in access to quality care in the United States. Issues such as large populations of underinsured or uninsured people, primary and specialty care shortages (especially in rural areas), hospital closures, and the disproportionate impact of chronic disease on minority ethnic and racial populations have all been magnified by the outbreak.3
Sick patient talking to doctor on telehealth
For millions of Americans, one or more of these things prevents them from receiving adequate healthcare. For those in rural communities, their hospital is often their only source of healthcare. Some individuals find the cost of healthcare to be too high, while others face scheduling conflicts that prevent their access to necessary healthcare providers. Additionally, there are those who don't have reliable transportation, which limits their access to the care they require.
Telehealth: A Solution
Telehealth offers itself as a step towards progress, working to solve these critical challenges in healthcare accessibility. By using digital technology, telehealth services can deliver healthcare directly into patients' homes, no matter their location. This helps overcome the geographical barriers encountered by patients in remote or rural communities, enabling them to access medical advice and care conveniently, without the need for extensive travel.
In terms of affordability, telehealth can lower healthcare costs by reducing the need for in-person visits, as well as the similar costs of transportation and time off work. For those with scheduling conflicts or transportation issues, telehealth provides flexibility, allowing patients to meet with healthcare professionals at convenient times. In this way, telehealth has the potential to significantly bridge the healthcare accessibility gap, offering a more accessible system for all.
Woman using telehealth videocall
Limitations and Challenges of Telehealth
As promising as telehealth seems, it does not come without drawbacks and limitations. There are various reasons why telehealth would not work for some patients.
1. Limited Access to Internet/Devices
The assumption that in 2023 everyone has access to the internet or owns a computer is an easy one to make, but it is not always true. Many people do not have access to technology or the internet. Without the necessary technology, accessing telehealth care is near impossible. There are ways that providers can accommodate this limitation such as,
Providing an option to conduct the visit over phone (landline) when possible.
If your telehealth platform offers security features, consider telling patients about the availability of free local hotspots (libraries or community centers), before their visit.
2. Patients with Limited English Proficiency
As healthcare provider shortages continue to pose a challenge, patients with limited English language skills (LEP) face an even greater difficulty in finding a provider they can communicate effectively and confidently with. While some practices will offer oral interpretation or written translation services, this is a great barrier when it comes to telehealth.
3. Older Patients and Those with Low Digital Literacy
When considering elderly patients, telehealth presents a way to alleviate the burden of traveling to and from doctor's appointments, but it is not a flawless solution. Elderly patients who live alone may encounter difficulties accessing telehealth services due to factors such as hearing and/or vision challenges, limited technological skills, or cognitive impairment. To address this challenge, it is important to make telehealth services accessible to disabled individuals. However, this alone may not be sufficient. While guiding patients through the process of accessing telehealth services over the phone can be considered, it can be time-consuming and may not provide a long-term solution for future appointments.
Despite the challenges associated with telehealth, it remains an amazing tool with the potential to revolutionize healthcare accessibility. For many, it has already broken-down barriers, providing quality healthcare to those who may have previously struggled to obtain it. Outreach programs focusing on digital literacy, language services, and providing resources for technology access are promising options for tackling the current telehealth challenges. As we navigate the digital age, we can look forward to the creation of more user-friendly telehealth platforms, making these services even more accessible.
When looking at the market, it is clear that there are unmet needs and areas for improvement in existing telehealth carts. Existing products lack easy disinfection, are not adaptable to various patient environments, are expensive, rely on software that requires a separate purchase, and have low-quality cameras and audio systems.
According to a research study conducted by Escalent in partnership with Logitech (which included patients and providers around the world), a staggering 82% of healthcare providers have encountered significant video quality challenges. Patients remarked that in order to have a positive telehealth experience, the video quality delivered by the healthcare provider (HCP) is a priority. Overall:
51% of providers were dissatisfied with their camera’s video zoom capabilities.
34% were not satisfied with their video resolution.
34% were dissatisfied with the ability to connect easily.
BlueCart™ addresses all these problems and disrupts the market. It was developed over three years of provider and patient testing that resulted in a simplified and innovative solution.
Patented Cleaning
With BlueCart’s patented easy-to-clean camera enclosure, providers can efficiently disinfect the entire device and swiftly move on to the next room in less than a minute. This ensures thorough disinfection while optimizing time and productivity.
Adaptability
BlueCart is adaptable for sitting, standing, and bed-ridden patients. Designed with an adjustable height feature, this telehealth cart effortlessly caters to the diverse needs of patients, ensuring utmost comfort and convenience.
Compatibility
BlueCart’s software compatibility feature simplifies integration into any workplace with ease. The software seamlessly integrates with all clinical and video applications accessed by the client, ensuring compatibility without any issues.
High Fidelity
The advanced Ultra HD pan-tilt-zoom camera of the device enables precise diagnosis, while the high-quality audio fosters an enriched telehealth experience between patient and provider. Read more about the importance of audio and visual quality in telehealth here.
BlueCart™: Benefits for Everyone
Providers
BlueCart improves efficiency and productivity, allowing providers to see more patients in a shorter period. This allows for more patients per day, generating higher billing. Studies have shown introducing telehealth to a facility also helps alleviate the burden on busy healthcare systems, reducing employee burnout.
Patients
BlueCart brings the experts right to you, eliminating the need for travel and ensuring you receive the highest quality of care available. With access to a larger pool of providers, you have the freedom to choose someone who is the best fit for your needs. This also eliminates long wait times associated with traditional healthcare visits.
“In particular, they (telehealth carts) are especially beneficial in rural areas or locations without access to high-demand specialists.” 1
Loved Ones
BlueCart allows you to feel like you’re right there with your loved one with the use of a Ultra HD pan-tilt-zoom camera. Allowing for enhanced communication, your mind will be at ease. The innovative design of the BlueCart also allows for close-up monitoring, allowing you to easily check in on someone from afar.
Insurance Companies
BlueCart™ aids in timely, thorough patient visits, allowing physicians to see patients at a lower acuity and reducing unnecessary hospitalizations. This helps insurance companies save money and improve overall patient satisfaction.
Administration
BlueCart drastically increases a facility’s marketability while also increasing revenue and patient satisfaction. BlueCart also helps reduce administrative costs, as providers can now handle more patients at their own location. The improved flexibility also increases employee morale and job satisfaction.
Cost Savings
Minimizing hospital readmissions and reducing the necessity for in-person consultations not only saves valuable time and resources but also brings about substantial cost savings. The use of telehealth services for follow-up visits and routine checkups can also help reduce overall healthcare costs. With BlueCart, providers are able to treat more patients in less time, allowing them to serve more people with limited resources.
Telehealth has become a crucial component of healthcare delivery worldwide. With its convenience and accessibility, it has become an essential tool for healthcare providers seeking to provide top-quality care to their patients. BlueCart’s ease of use, software compatibility, and virtual care features make it an ideal choice for healthcare providers and patients alike. By providing convenience, efficiency, and improved telehealth experiences, BlueCart is changing the way healthcare services are delivered, empowering patients and physicians alike.
Embrace the Future of Healthcare with AURA Technologies LLC. Learn more about our solution here.
The world has gone digital, and so has healthcare. Telehealth has become increasingly popular, especially during the global pandemic when social distancing became necessary to curb the spread of COVID-19. Healthcare providers can now diagnose, consult, and treat patients remotely, eliminating the requirement for in-person consultations. However, for telehealth to work effectively, high-quality audio and camera devices are crucial for both provider and patient.
Doctor dealing with frustration and burnout and low quality telehealth.
Providers are expressing frustration with video quality issues in telehealth. A staggering 82% reported video quality issues, with 77% considering video quality crucial for professional appearance to patients. They are realizing the importance of high-quality video in order to build trust, advance treatment plans, and maintain positive outcomes. 1
Benefits of High-Quality Audio and Video in Telehealth
1. Quality Communication
To achieve seamless communication between healthcare providers and patients through telehealth, high-quality audio and camera devices must be in place. High-quality audio is essential to ensure patients can clearly hear healthcare providers without any distortion. On the other hand, high-resolution camera devices improve video quality, allowing healthcare providers to see patients clearly.
Due to the nature of telehealth, healthcare providers cannot examine patients physically, which is why having good video quality is crucial for accurately assessing their condition. Clear video resolution allows providers to closely observe patients, identify subtle signs, and make informed medical decisions.
"Medical carts with high-quality audio capabilities automatically adjust for louder and softer voices to guarantee everyone can be heard, even in areas with lots of background noise like a busy emergency department." 2
2. Accurate Diagnosis
As mentioned above, telehealth consultations require healthcare providers to rely on visual cues and descriptions from patients. With high fidelity audio and enhanced camera devices, healthcare providers can more accurately diagnose patients. For instance, with simply an HD camera, the image of a patient's concern may not appear clear enough.
Doctor using telehealth service to examine a patient.
There are carts on the market that offer 4K resolution, which makes all the difference. With 4K cameras, providers can examine a patient's skin rash, wound, redness, or swelling and determine the best course of action. High-definition video feeds provide a clear view of the patient, whereas high-quality audio ensures that both parties are able to communicate without any disruption or interference.
3. Patient and Provider Relationship
When technical difficulties arise, such as poor audio or video quality, it can quickly turn into a frustrating experience for both the patient and the provider. It can be difficult to convey important information or ask important questions when one party can't clearly see or hear the other.
When telehealth patients experience good video and audio quality, they feel a stronger connection to their healthcare providers. According to a quote collected in MHQP’s pandemic telehealth experience surveys conducted during the summer of 2021,
“The biggest joy was being able to stay in touch with patients–most of the time actually seeing them. We had many heartfelt conversations about their fears, uncertainties, and ongoing clinical issues. Many opted for much more frequent visits than they would have in person.” 3
Patients also experience increased confidence in receiving medical advice when they can effortlessly hear and understand everything their healthcare provider communicates. The quality of audio and video plays a significant role in enhancing patient satisfaction within telehealth experiences.
4. Combatting Patient Burnout
One of the great benefits of telehealth is its ability to help alleviate patient burnout caused by extended wait times. By allowing patients to receive medical care from more accessible locations, telehealth eliminates the need for lengthy car trips, waiting room delays, and other aggravating factors that can lead to burnout.
Additionally, high-quality telehealth carts are able to reduce physician burnout as well. Telehealth can help healthcare providers manage their patient load more effectively, as they can see more patients without the physical constraints of a traditional office. High-quality audio and camera devices make the experience even more convenient by delivering clear and accurate information.
A 2015 study showed that a third of its participants had "avoided going to the doctor because they found it unpleasant, citing factors like long wait times and difficulty finding a convenient appointment."4 Telehealth eliminates these wait times and gives patients and providers more flexibility within their scheduling.
Telehealth has become an essential component of healthcare with patients demanding more convenient ways of receiving medical treatment. High-quality audio and camera quality are a crucial factor to achieving trust, creating a personalized approach, enabling clarity in communication, and ultimately providing more effective diagnosis. Ensuring your telehealth cart meets these audio and visual standards will positively impact the needs of patients, ultimately building a stronger relationship between patients and their healthcare providers.
Ready to find the telehealth cart that's right for you? Learn more about BlueCart™ here.
BlueCart's advanced Ultra HD pan-tilt-zoom camera and high-fidelity audio creates an enriched telehealth experience between patient and provider.
Long-term care facilities have always been a crucial aspect of healthcare, catering to patients who require round-the-clock medical supervision and care. However, the pandemic brought forth unprecedented challenges for the medical industry- leaving many professionals feeling overwhelmed. Isolation, fear, and anxiety among residents surged, making it difficult for healthcare professionals to ensure their patients' emotional well-being.
While exacerbated by COVID-19, this issue is not new. A 2011 study showed that more than 50% of nursing home residents without cognitive impairment reported feelings of loneliness. With telehealth, the future of long-term care facilities looks brighter. In this article, we will explore how telehealth can bring a positive change to the mental health, physical health, and morale of patients in long-term care facilities.
empty wheelchair in nursing home
The Hurdles of Healthcare in Long-term Care Facilities
According to Ed Mercadante, Chief Executive Officer of MediTelecare1, nursing home residents face substantial obstacles when it comes to accessing high-quality healthcare. Some of these include:
Shortage of Healthcare Providers
The shortage of qualified healthcare providers has been well documented and experienced for many years. The disparity in medical care and access to sufficient resources has placed a major challenge for all levels of care, particularly long-term care facilities.
Transportation Difficulties
A patient can usually be transported to medical appointments by a family member or aid, but this can cause unwanted stress and physical pain. In some cases, the provider comes directly to the nursing home, but with the previously mentioned lack of providers, this rarely happens.
Limited Contact
The parameters that are currently in place to enter or access most nursing facilities are very strict, requiring individuals to meet specific criteria and adhere to certain guidelines. Although these measures are implemented to prioritize the safety and well-being of residents, staff, and visitors, they pose challenges in delivering in-person patient care.
"Even before the pandemic, social isolation and loneliness were considered
elderly man sitting alone on sofa during self-isolation
Despite the disheartening challenges, there is a viable solution: telehealth. With its convenience and accessibility, telehealth offers a promising way to address these obstacles.
How Telehealth Jumps the Hurdles
Expanding Access to Quality Care
Long-term care facilities are designed to provide the necessary support and care to their residents. However, the challenge arises when residents need access to healthcare professionals outside of the facility. This is where telehealth can benefit all stakeholders. Telehealth is a tool that provides remote healthcare services through devices such as AURA's BlueCart™.
Telehealth can help bridge the gap between long-term care facilities and healthcare professionals and specialists, allowing residents to access care from remote medical professionals in real-time. This not only increases speed and access to care but also improves overall quality of life for residents. Telehealth is proving to be an effective solution for ensuring that residents receive timely and efficient medical attention from whoever they need- whenever they need it.
Connecting Hearts: The Power of Communication with Loved Ones
One of the most significant struggles of long-term care facilities has been the limited in-person contact with family and friends. With social distancing protocols in place, visits have been cancelled or delayed in many cases. This change in access has led to a sense of isolation and loneliness among the residents. However, telehealth enables patients to have virtual visits with their loved ones, providing them with fresh contact, joy and a sense of connection with the outside world.
In other circumstances, many elderly loved ones are placed into long-term care facilities far away from their family, which can create feelings of sadness and loneliness. For families, it can be difficult to cope with the reality of having a loved one placed so far away. Telehealth carts not only work with patient-provider connection, but also allow long-term care patients to have face-to-face time with their loved ones. 3
Conquering Burnout and Stress
Burnout and stress can be common among healthcare professionals working in long-term care facilities. With the pandemic, the pressure has only increased. A 2017 Mayo Clinic study stated that “registered nurses who worked in nursing homes may also be at higher risk for burnout than nurses who work in other settings.” 4 However, telehealth services can assist in reducing the burden on healthcare professionals.
By using telehealth services, their patients' mental and physical health can be monitored from afar. This reduces the need for routine visits and allows healthcare professionals to focus on critical situations.
Telehealth devices can also alleviate stress for long-term care patients. Many individuals in long-term care often face stress and discomfort from frequent transportation to medical appointments. Traveling to a different facility for care is especially stressful for long-term care residents who have dementia and other memory disorders. Residents often require a few days to adapt after traveling. Kathy Hsu Wibberly, PhD, Director of the Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center remarks that,
"Telehealth allows them (the residents) to stay in an environment where they feel comfortable, where they feel safe, and where they have familiarity." 5
Improved Quality of Life
Telehealth has the ability to positively impact the morale of patients, as it allows them to receive care from the comfort of their own residences. It enables them to feel more independent, connected, and in control of their healthcare, increasing their faith in the treatment process. This results in a sense of positivity and reduces the need for hospital visits. By offering telehealth services, long-term care facilities can make a tremendous difference in the lives of their patients.
Nurse's hand on elderly resident's shoulder
This invaluable access not only enhances their quality of life but also brings much-needed convenience and support right to their fingertips. It empowers them to take charge of their treatments, connect with their family, and have access to the support they require. This results in a sense of hope, joy, and overall improved well-being.
Telehealth services have revolutionized the healthcare industry. Especially for long-term care facilities, telehealth has brought hope, joy, and a sense of connection to patients struggling with their mental health in isolation. Ultimately, telehealth's integration in the long-term care facilities can significantly improve the quality of life for patients, enabling them to access support without leaving their place of residence. This makes it an essential tool for healthcare professionals to consider incorporating into their treatment plans.
Ready to start your telehealth cart journey? Consider BlueCart from AURA Technologies LLC.
BlueCart is the perfect solution for long-term care facilities looking to start their telehealth journey.
Telehealth is skyrocketing, having made significant advances in recent years that have revolutionized healthcare delivery. While already steadily growing, COVID-19 accelerated telehealth to greater adoption and implementation in all areas of healthcare. From routine check-ups to specialist consultations and emergency management, patients and providers alike benefit from this newfound accessibility.
A physician taking place in a 2021 survey conducted by MHQP remarked that,
“The biggest joy was being able to stay in touch with patients–most of the time actually seeing them. We had many heartfelt conversations about their fears, uncertainties, and ongoing clinical issues. Many opted for much more frequent visits than they would have in person.” 1
Doctor using telemedicine platform
With its many benefits comes complexity. The market for telehealth platforms is overflowing, making it difficult for healthcare providers to choose the best fit for their practice. In this blog post, we will discuss the rise of telehealth, its impact on healthcare, and why choosing the right telehealth cart is so important.
How COVID-19 Impacted Telehealth
According to Chris Jennings, healthcare policy consultant and former advisor to the Obama and Clinton administrations,
"There’s the assumption in primary care that you always had to have in-person contact, and that telemedicine would be unsatisfactory, or wouldn’t fill the void. That’s been exposed—actually, it’s safer, it’s quicker, and it’s easier.” 2
The 2020 outbreak of COVID-19 significantly increased the demand for telehealth services on a global scale. With the introduction of social distancing rules and restrictions on hospital visits, telehealth platforms emerged as indispensable tools in delivering virtual care to patients. Using technology, telehealth services bridged the gap between healthcare providers and individuals in need, ensuring greater access to medical assistance during these challenging times, ultimately showing the potential of telehealth.
Senior woman lying in nursing home bed talking with female doctor using a telehealth cart.
With the use of video conferencing, remote monitoring, and other digital communication technologies, telehealth was able to offer improved access to healthcare services to millions of people worldwide. According to a recent study, telehealth visits have increased by 50% in the US since the pandemic began. Telemedicine drastically increased access to healthcare for people with financial constraints, those in rural areas, or those who were otherwise unable to leave their homes. For providers, it significantly increased their patient panel size, helping them reach more patients than ever before.
Choosing the Right Cart for You
The telehealth cart acts as the physical connection between healthcare providers and patients. For a strong bond and prime communication, you need a telehealth cart you can trust.Selecting the right telehealth cart aids in the smooth operation of telehealth services. Navigating the many options in the telehealth cart market can feel overwhelming, but there are several essential features that distinguish a top-notch telehealth cart.
1. High-Definition Camera and High-Fidelity Audio
High-quality video and audio are arguably the most important elements of an effective telehealth cart. They play a critical role in maintaining a strong patient-provider connection, as they allow for clear and precise communication. With high-definition cameras, healthcare providers can better observe patients' physical conditions, vital signs, and non-verbal cues, all of which are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Similarly, high-fidelity audio ensures that every word spoken is heard clearly, facilitating the exchange of crucial health information.
2. Adjustable Height
The adjustable height feature of a telehealth cart brings a crucial level of adaptability to healthcare providers in varying scenarios. For patients who are bedridden or seated, it enables the healthcare provider to adjust the camera to an appropriate level for proper communication and examination. This flexibility allows for personalized, patient-centered care, ensuring that each patient, regardless of their situation or condition, can effectively engage in their telehealth visit.
3. Software Agnostic
Being software agnostic is a paramount feature of a telehealth cart, as it allows for seamless integration into any given practice. The ability to work across various software platforms and applications, rather than being restricted to a proprietary system, ensures that the telehealth cart can adapt to the existing digital infrastructure of a healthcare setting. This not only saves time and resources but also simplifies the process of implementing telehealth services.
4. Easy to Disinfect
A telehealth cart that can be quickly and efficiently disinfected ensures the safety of both patients and healthcare providers. Rapid disinfection allows for swift transition between patients, optimizing the cart's usage while ensuring that it remains sterile and safe. This feature is vital to prevent the spread of pathogens, reassuring patients that their health and safety are of utmost priority during telehealth sessions.
Telehealth has emerged as a vital element of modern healthcare, empowered by accelerated adoption in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The right telehealth cart, equipped with features such as high-definition video and audio, adjustable height, software agnostic capabilities, and easy disinfection, can significantly improve the quality and reach of telehealth services. As we navigate this new era of digital healthcare, the selection of the appropriate telehealth cart is a critical step towards ensuring accessible, efficient, and personalized patient care.
Ready to start your search for the right telehealth cart? AURA's BlueCart™ may be just what you're looking for. Learn more here.
