In recent years, virtual healthcare has emerged as a revolutionary approach to providing medical services, offering a convenient and efficient alternative to traditional in-person visits.
Despite its growing popularity, some patients remain hesitant or dismissive of this modern form of healthcare. The fact is that for so many reasons, we must embrace virtual healthcare as a viable option, especially in today’s challenged and rapidly evolving medical landscape.
Here are 5 reasons why it is likely a good time to embrace the benefits of virtual healthcare:
1. Accessibility and Convenience
For all the talk of not being able to find a doctor anywhere near one’s residence, particularly in rural areas, one of the most significant advantages of virtual health care is its unparalleled accessibility and convenience.
Rather than convincing yourself that healthcare requires time-consuming travel, taking time off work, or arranging childcare, consider that virtual health care eliminates these barriers by allowing patients to consult with healthcare providers from the comfort of their own homes.
This convenience extends to scheduling as well. Many virtual health platforms offer flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends, making it easier for patients to fit healthcare into their busy lives. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those with chronic conditions who require regular monitoring, as it reduces the strain of frequent in-person visits.
2. Increased Access to Specialists
In traditional healthcare settings, accessing specialists can be a lengthy process, often involving long wait times for appointments. Virtual health care significantly reduces these delays by enabling patients to connect with specialists across the country or even globally. This is particularly crucial for patients with rare or complex conditions who may not have local access to the specific expertise they need.
For patients feeling that there are real challenges in receiving timely and accurate diagnoses, virtual care can be a game-changer. Ironically, it’s also much easier to seek second opinions more easily, not to mention more options when it comes to treatment.
3. Continuity of Care / Chronic Conditions
Approximately 45% of Canadians now have a chronic health condition. Continuity of care is essential for effective healthcare management, especially for patients with chronic conditions. Virtual care facilitates better continuity by providing easy access to consistent follow-ups, and seamless communication between patients and healthcare providers.
This is not an easy thing to achieve at this juncture in Canadian health care particularly if you no longer have an assigned family doctor. With a chronic health condition, extended gaps in care can lead to gaps in treatment and a worsening of both the condition and its symptoms.
If you’re skeptical about the impact of extended gaps in care, look no further than the reports on the fallout of COVID-19, the increase in non-diagnosed disease and the worsening of known health conditions due to the widespread lack of access to health care.
The better virtual platforms include features like electronic health records (EHRs) that allow patients and providers to track progress, share updates, and make informed decisions based on real-time data. This integrated approach ensures that patients receive continuous and coordinated care, improving outcomes and enhancing the overall patient experience.
Make sure to check out our article on some of the best resources for Telemedicine in Canada.
For some patients, visiting a doctor’s office can be an uncomfortable or even intimidating experience. Virtual health care offers a level of privacy and comfort that is not always possible in traditional settings. Patients can discuss sensitive health issues without the anxiety of a face-to-face interaction, which can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with mental health concerns or stigmatized conditions.
The comfort of being in one’s own home can also make it easier for patients to be open and honest during consultations, leading to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment plans. The added privacy of virtual consultations can empower patients to take control of their health without the fear of judgment or embarrassment.
4. No Waiting Times
For many Canadians that have a doctor they can visit, face-to-face appointments are synonymous with long waiting times.
Virtual care significantly reduces waiting times and typically offers much more immediate and on-time access to a healthcare provider. Many of the virtual care platforms offer same-day or next-day appointments, ensuring that patients receive timely attention for their health concerns.
This efficiency is not only beneficial for acute issues but also for managing ongoing health conditions. Quick access to medical advice can prevent minor issues from escalating into more serious problems, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the strain on emergency services.
For those times when you need health support on the spot, read our article on Telehealth in Canada.
5. Adapting to the Future of Healthcare
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual health care, highlighting its potential to adapt to unforeseen challenges. As we move into a future where healthcare demands will continue to evolve, embracing virtual health care is a step towards ensuring that patients remain at the forefront of receiving timely, efficient, and personalized care.
With advancements in technology, including the integration of artificial intelligence and remote monitoring devices, virtual health care is poised to become even more sophisticated. Patients who adapt to and embrace these changes will be better positioned to benefit from the innovations that will shape the future of healthcare.
While it’s easy to dismiss the idea of “virtual care” as simply a depersonalized and scaled down version of what we’re used to as compared with face to face care from a doctor standing in front of us, we have to be careful not to overlook the benefits of what comes with advancements in technology and the efficiencies that come with them. In our data-driven society there are a great many opportunities that bring far more customized and personalized care. Healthcare is no exception.
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The information provided on TheHealthInsider.ca is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. TheHealthInsider.ca advises consulting a medical professional or healthcare provider when seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
