The last few years have seen a widespread virtual health revolution, especially with generational change events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, healthcare leaders, organizations, and policy makers are embracing the value of virtual health, both in terms of patient convenience and experience, and the potential cost savings virtual health can provide on a systemic level. recognizing.
Some organizations Inclined When it comes to virtual health, we use technology to go beyond simple patient care encounters. For example, consider the Care Connect program at Penn Medicine (based at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine). In a paper published earlier this month in the New England Journal of Medicine, the team wrote “CareConnect: Adapting a virtual emergency care model to deliver buprenorphine transitional care.” The program leverages Penn’s virtual emergency care service and substance use specialists to deliver treatment to patients. As described by the organization, “a trained emergency care clinician provides virtual assessment and treatment with buprenorphine (a drug that treats opioid craving and withdrawal symptoms), and patients are encouraged to participate in substance use throughout the care process.” You will receive support from the navigator.”
Researchers spearheading the initiative believe the program is relatively effective. , indicating that they are still actively receiving treatment. ”
Dr. Margaret Loewenstein, assistant professor of medicine, lead author of the study and research director of the Center for Pen Addiction Medical Policy (CAMP), commented: Underestimate those undergoing aggressive treatment, as it does not capture those on other treatments such as methadone, or those entering inpatient rehabilitation. ”
In an increasingly precarious healthcare environment where substance use continues to rise, programs like these demonstrate innovative ways to use existing technology to solve tough problems.
Virtual care services are increasingly being used by healthcare institutions around the world.
Another novel way virtual health technology is being used is in the case of South Dakota’s Department of Health (DOH). State agencies are partnering with telemedicine companies to enable emergency medical services (EMS) to provide virtual, on-demand emergency care.
The press release explains: This initiative will use telemedicine to transform the delivery of care provided to patients across the state. As DOH Chief Cabinet Secretary Joan Adam explained, “Telemedicine in Motion will connect EMS agencies throughout South Dakota and provide access to certified emergency physicians and registered nurses via telemedicine from Avel eCare. Many of our EMS agencies have experienced long-distance travel when their residents need it, we care the most Avel is in the backseat of an ambulance through Telemedicine in Motion We will provide virtual triage and consulting services to EMS professionals via two-way audio and video.This initiative will improve care coordination between EMS providers and hospitals.”
In fact, this is another example of the tangible and novel impact of leveraging existing technology. The virtual health infrastructure will enable EMS faculty to better serve the frontline patients who need it most, and is expected to improve clinical and overall community outcomes.
Overall, virtual health technology still has a long way to go when it comes to security, data fidelity and patient safety. However, the applications above are just two of his examples of the many unique use cases of virtual health services that could provide meaningful value to patients.
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