The future of telehealth can be predicted through recent research by AMA. The research reveals that the telehealth market is expected to reach $55.6 billion by 2025 from $25.6 billion in 2020.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has estimated that around 60% to 90% of clinicians have begun using some form of telehealth service since the beginning of the pandemic.
Both healthcare professionals and providers are embracing this change and continue to use this technology. Let’s have a look at expected trends that could shape the future of telehealth industry.
5 Trends that could define the future of telehealth
Enhanced Chronic Care Management
Around one-third of all persons in the world suffer from chronic ailments, such as kidney disease, heart disease, cancer, lung disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and stroke side effects.
In most circumstances, these patients’ lifestyle choices & preventative care measures can aid in the prevention and treatment of these disorders.
However, many of these patients do not complete their therapy, do not take or renew their repeat prescriptions, and do not attend their scheduled follow-up appointments to assist manage their symptoms.
The industry loses billions of dollars each year due to noncompliance with a care plan. 12 Telehealth offers the potential to boost patient engagement and adherence while also lowering the cost of a treatment plan.
Telehealth is a handy approach for people to communicate with their doctors on a regular basis. Getting rid of the need for long waits in waiting rooms & the cost of frequent trips to the doctor’s office.
Furthermore, having more regular interactions between patients and doctors may enable the early detection of minor issues, reducing the likelihood of subsequent issues or consequences.
Advanced Mental Care
The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted mental health services in 93 percent of nations worldwide – WHO. Moreover, those undergoing treatment had their support groups disbanded, clinic sessions terminated, and options for symptom relief were severely limited. Many therapists, counselors, and physicians rapidly resorted to video conferencing to keep treating their patients.
As a result, the development of teletherapy and telepsychiatry began, and this will most likely become a widely acknowledged method of treatment in the future.
Focus on Better Patient Care
When it comes to the rise of telehealth, the largest driving force has been patient demand. Patient experience and expectations should be at the forefront of companies’ strategies as they plan for the future of telehealth.
Furthermore, as more companies are expanding out & entering into market, offering better care by providers is must to stay ahead of competition.
Nobody wants to have to juggle various applications and websites for their telehealth experience to be seamless and connected.
Developers must provide a full-suite telehealth platform using integrated communications including video, webchat, and bots, as well as real-time updates, reminders, and follow-up appointments.
Integrated Data Sharing
Telehealth platforms integrated with data sharing capabilities are convenient and deliver better patient care. Many telehealth platforms are integrated with third-party applications for tracking patients’ steps count, heart rates, and pulse rates.
Having real-time information of patient vitals helps providers to understand lifestyle of patients, current health, & provide effective patient care.
The idea of integrated data sharing is to access, exchange, and cooperatively use the collected patient data within & across organizations. However, instead of just recording basic health information, professionals must provide critical remarks (where required) to maximize quality of care.
Convenient Remote Pediatric Care
It’s never easy to keep an eye on a sick child. Children are notorious for hiding their symptoms, having difficulties speaking, & being hesitant or afraid in the presence of medical personnel.
This is especially challenging for people who require long-term monitoring. However, using telehealth makes it more convenient for parents and can help to reduce the expenses of high-quality treatment.
Is Telehealth Here to Stay?
The wide acceptance of telehealth technology by both patient and providers only fuels the growth of telehealth industry. Even at its simplest form telehealth has proved to be extremely useful and future of telehealth looks very promising.
However, integration of telehealth with advanced technologies like AI, Virtual reality & robotics can take the remote healthcare to the next level. So, as we predict the future of telehealth, it’s quite safe to conclude that telehealth is not here to say but to dominate the healthcare industry.