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.
