Telemedicine: How A 100-Year-Old Practice Is Enabling Access To Healthcare During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Among the many buzzwords floating around in 2020, telemedicine has constantly been under the spotlight. But did you know telemedicine services have been in practice for over 100 years now?
That’s right, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of telemedicine this year — now, that’s quite a milestone given how the field has emerged to be one of the most effective and sustainable solutions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is the history of telemedicine?
The history of telehealth dates to the early 20th century, gaining popularity after Radio News Magazine did the feature story “The Radio Doctor — Maybe!” on the fascinating concept of remote care. The Dutch physiologist Willem Einthoven developed the first electrocardiograph that was used to take electrical cardiac readings of a patient in a hospital located 1.5 km away! Later, in the 1970s, the American Thomas Bird coined the term “telemedicine,” which literally translates to “healing at a distance.”
Over the years, with advances in information technology facilitating communication over large distances, the meaning of telemedicine and its applications have drastically evolved. These developments have immensely benefitted rural populations who otherwise had limited access to specialist doctors. Substantial funding by the U.S. federal government has improved quality healthcare access in rural areas.
How is telemedicine used in healthcare?
Like a regular visit to primary or urgent care clinics, a telemedicine appointment allows you to have a virtual consultation with your healthcare practitioner in real-time by using digital technology such as email, audio or video conferencing, and online portals (e.g., interactive chat-based communication). In recent times, telemedicine tools are HIPAA-compliant, so you can be assured your remote consultation is secure and confidential.
What is the role of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Telemedicine services have become increasingly popular since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can have access to quality healthcare without venturing to the clinic, thus mitigating any potential risk of exposure to the virus. Telemedicine has helped people get accurate and expert advice regarding their health-related concerns while also offering a host of benefits to healthcare providers. The CDC recommends the use of telemedicine for screening patients with suspected COVID-19 and referring them as appropriate, monitoring clinical signs and symptoms in patients with chronic disease, conducting routine follow-ups, and providing non-emergent care, among others.
Where can I avail of telemedicine services?
Many healthcare centers offer telemedicine services for urgent care and non-emergency conditions, allowing you to connect with expert providers from the safety of your home. Booking a telemedicine appointment at an urgent care clinic is easy and affordable, with many clinics offering a host of virtual care services. For instance, new and existing patients can book an appointment with Urgent Care Hawaii to avail preliminary counseling and guidance for COVID-19 testing in Kapolei, Waikiki, Kailua, and Pearl City.
Although the telemedicine industry is 100 years old, the future potential remains mostly unexplored, as these services are bound to expand and diversify so long as there are advances in technology and communications.
