The convergence of cloud technology, video conferencing, and telepresence have infiltrated nearly every industry and business — including healthcare. We have been talking about telehealth for nearly 30 years and in the year 2020 especially, the need for virtual health services has escalated globally. According to a recent survey made by McKinsey in April 2020, consumer adoption of telehealth has skyrocketed, with almost 70% of in-person visits canceled in the United States. This has helped in decreasing the transmission rate of Covid-19 and limiting exposure to patients. Patients are rapidly transitioning to telehealth, with 76% of survey respondents suggesting that they were highly or moderately likely to use telehealth going forward. Benefits of telehealth include convenience, access to care, better patient outcomes, and a more efficient healthcare system.

In a study done by the World Health Organization (WHO), it was found that roughly 50% of European member states have some form of telehealth in their nations. Specifically, teleradiology (75% of countries provide this service) which is the most popular, is followed by remote patient monitoring, telepathology, and teledermatology. About onethird of the member states have reported having a telepsychiatry program. According to American Telemedicine Association, the number of people using telemedicine has increased steadily over the years, with more than half of all U.S. hospitals having a telemedicine program. In a report from Market Data Forecast, Asia- Pacific’s telemedicine market has grown to around USD 9 billion and in Europe, telemedicine is on the rise steadily, which will amount to around USD 19.2 billion by 2025.

Telemedicine continues to grow, with the latest technology driving costs down and making the process affordable to more healthcare providers and their patients. Current reports estimate that telemedicine’s influence will continue to swell over the next few years, too. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global telehealth market is expected to reach USD 266.8 billion by 2026, showing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23.4% between 2018 and 20266.showing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23.4% between 2018 and 2026.

While video technology is among the many initiatives helping facilitate the growth of telemedicine, many healthcare CIOs still struggle with the best way to use video services. Securing data in the cloud remains a key concern, as does the ease of use of telemedicine systems for patients and healthcare providers alike.

Key benefits of telemedicine

Reduced cost of care

Reduced readmission rates

Faster diagnosis and aid in instances of critical care

Cost savings for both patients and hospitals

Improved access to care, especially for people in rural areas or lower-income families

Improved follow-up careHigher patient satisfaction

Telemedicine, specifically video or audio-based telemedical communication, can make doctor visits more efficient and accessible. Take a working mother whose child has chronic ear infections, for example. Instead of taking the whole day off from work, loading the child into the car, and heading to the nearest clinic, she can speak with a doctor from the comfort of her own home and get a faster diagnosis and prescription, all while avoiding exposure to disease and infection inside a doctor’s waiting room.

In other instances, virtual visits are more than convenient; they are life-saving. For instance, doctors can use video to quickly diagnose a stroke victim’s symptoms and suggest immediate action to minimize further damage to the brain or bring in specialists around the country to provide instant care.

A survey by the American Journal of Managed Care suggests that telemedicine can make a patient’s visit time last about 13-15 minutes, while an in-person visit could take up to two hours. In addition, a 2019 survey by Massachusetts General Hospital found that 83% of patients felt that the care they received with telemedicine was better than an in-person visit. 66% of patients felt even more connected to their telehealth practitioner.

For patients who are house-bound and have restrictions on movement, or who live in inaccessible or underserved rural areas, telemedicine provides access to the quality healthcare that they deserve.

Providers see big benefits from telemedicine

In addition to the benefits telemedicine offers patients, video conferencing enables healthcare providers to set their own schedules and maintain patient contact with less travel and less pressure to treat as many patients as possible in a set time. Unfortunately, doctors’ offices today can sometimes be run like assembly lines to maximize their efficiency.

Since telemedicine is so quick, yet so personal, physicians who use it can more easily maintain patient relationships, as well as their own mental and emotional health. It allows them to effectively manage their time — which is the most important resource to any healthcare provider or physician.

For patients who are immuno-comprised, video consultations using a solution like Pexip mean that they don’t have to be concerned about infections or illnesses that they might be exposed to outside their home. Video consultations help manage patient flows in ER rooms and aid healthcare practices in effectively managing their time.

Telemedicine also allows health care providers to extend their reach so they can stay competitive in their market. Pexip is interoperable, meaning video sessions are easily accessible regardless of the video platform or infrastructure being used. This makes business practices and patient care more flexible and inclusive.