The Future of Virtual Care: The Essential Role of Technological Advancement
It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted many aspects of our lives. From the way we conduct business to the way we socialize — many changes are apparent thanks to technological advancements. The healthcare industry is not immune to these shifts either with the rise of virtual care clinics.
The pandemic presented a time when many people were unable to leave home and many medical clinics were not open for in-person visits. Thanks to technology, virtual health care played a critical role in our well-being — and both industry experts and patients anticipate that it’s here to stay.
What are Virtual Care Clinics?
Throughout the pandemic, interactions through audio, video, and instant messaging allowed physicians to connect with their patients remotely. Digital tools, such as videoconferencing, made this type of care possible in real-time, from almost any location.
According to statistics from the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), patients are on board with virtual health care. They noted that the satisfaction rate of patients using virtual care during the pandemic was 91 percent.
What Benefits are Related to Online Doctors?
With such a high satisfaction rate, it’s no secret that virtual health care is proving itself effective. In fact, research from Deloitte identifies five key areas where virtual health can drive value:
Enhance care coordination.
Improve clinical outcomes.
Enhance consumer experience.
Improve efficiency.
Expand consumer and clinician access.
What’s on the Horizon for Virtual Care?
If you’re wondering what’s next for this type of care, experts anticipate a significant portion of healthcare delivery and management will shift to virtual.
In the same Deloitte research, through surveys and interviews of healthcare executives, they found that “50 percent of executives thought at least a quarter of all outpatient care, preventive care, long-term care, and well-being services would move to virtual delivery by 2040.”
Canadians, too, seem to anticipate this shift to online doctors moving forward. In an Ipsos poll carried out on behalf of the Montreal Economic Institute, it’s noted that 69 percent of Canadians and 76 percent of women want to continue to have access to telemedicine after the pandemic.
Similarly, the CMA reports that 46 percent of Canadians who used virtual care since the COVID-19 outbreak said they would prefer a virtual method as the first point of contact with their doctor.
Learn More about iCare Home Health in Oakville, ON
At iCare Home Health in Oakville, ON, we understand the value that technological advancements can bring. As providers of many in-home services such as nursing, personal support, and companion care, we recognize the preference that many individuals have for receiving health support at home. That’s why we continue to monitor the evolving situation with virtual care and its benefits.
To learn more about iCare Home Health and our services, reach out to our team of home-care specialists.
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