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According to GovTech Singapore, in an era where digital technology touches every aspect of people’s lives, it’s no surprise that healthcare is also undergoing a transformation through the advent of virtual healthcare.
As GovTech emphasised, virtual healthcare refers to the delivery of healthcare services through telecommunication technologies, and its impact is reshaping the way patients and healthcare professionals interact with the healthcare system.
One of the immediate benefits of virtual healthcare is the reduction of waiting times in clinics and hospitals. Patients can access healthcare services from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for physical appointments. Routine monitoring of vital signs can be conducted remotely, and medical consultations can occur through secure video conferencing, all contributing to greater accessibility and convenience.
In emergency situations, such as accidents or health crises, telemedicine plays a crucial role. Telemedicine allows healthcare providers to provide guidance on administering first aid via video calls, potentially saving lives when rescue services are delayed.
Also, virtual healthcare bridges geographical barriers, making it easier for patients to access specialised care. Patients dealing with rare or complex medical conditions can quickly obtain second opinions from relevant specialists, regardless of their location.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of virtual healthcare as a tool for minimising the spread of infections. Telemedicine enabled patients to receive diagnoses and medical guidance over the phone, reducing the risk of exposure while ensuring that essential healthcare services continued uninterrupted.
However, the benefits of virtual healthcare extend beyond patients. A study suggests that virtual healthcare could offer respite to overwhelmed healthcare systems and professionals grappling with growing disease burdens, staffing shortages, and constrained resources.
Virtual healthcare offers three key advantages over traditional care models:
- Expanded Bed Capacity: Virtual healthcare systems can quickly adapt to fluctuating demand, offering expanded bed capacity to healthcare systems.
- Enhanced Patient Satisfaction and Outcomes: Many patients prefer receiving care in the comfort of their homes, leading to improved patient satisfaction and outcomes.
- Cost Savings: Virtual healthcare enables more efficient resource allocation, contributing to cost savings for healthcare organisations.
Additionally, virtual healthcare significantly reduces travel time and expenses for healthcare teams. For instance, staff at nursing homes can conduct virtual consultations with hospitals, maintaining consistent staffing levels without the need for time-consuming travel.
Singapore has been a pioneer in the implementation of virtual healthcare services. Since April 2017, the Smart Health Video Consultation service has been available at numerous hospitals and community care partners in the country. This service includes follow-up services for pediatric eczema, home care services for pediatric patients, lactation consultations, speech therapy, and care for post-stroke, infectious disease, and cancer patients.
Virtual consultations in Singapore are facilitated through patients’ mobile devices or laptops, connecting through the internet or 3G/4G/LTE networks. These platforms provide high-definition video and audio quality, closely replicating face-to-face consultations.
While the initial momentum of virtual healthcare may have slowed down as life returned to normal post-pandemic, its promise remains compelling. Progress in healthcare, like any disruptive innovation, can follow a non-linear path, with peaks and valleys. However, the fundamental demand for accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare continues to intensify.
Virtual healthcare is poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in the future of healthcare delivery. As healthcare systems worldwide grapple with complex challenges, the ability of virtual healthcare to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve accessibility positions it as a transformative force in modern medicine. While there may be temporary dips in adoption, the long-term trajectory of virtual healthcare remains on a path of significant impact.
