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Career Development Denise Alexander
Technology has played a vital role in healthcare for many years, and the coronavirus pandemic has accelerated many changes within the industry. Along with additional precautions for healthcare professionals, there has been an increased need for telehealth to provide patient care services remotely.
Before the pandemic, research by the American Hospital Association showed that 76% of U.S. hospitals offered telehealth services as an option for patients. Research predicts massive growth for telehealth services, estimated at an annual compound growth rate of 38% over the next five years.
Although the terms telemedicine and telehealth are sometimes used synonymously, there is a difference between the two.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), telehealth refers to the use of digital information and communications technology to deliver health-related services and information that supports patient care, administrative activities and access to healthcare services remotely.
While telehealth encompasses telemedicine, one main difference between the two is that telehealth also includes non-clinical services. Some telehealth practices could include administrative meetings, continued medical education and healthcare provider training.
Telemedicine is the practice of using technology to provide remote clinical services for patients. It is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as healing from a distance. It was originally conducted through phone calls, but technology advancements have led to an increase in web platforms, online portals and video calling services that allow patients to connect with healthcare professionals either asynchronously or in real-time.
Telemedicine allows patients to discuss symptoms, medical issues, treatment plans and get some prescriptions without leaving their homes. Not only does it save the patient a trip to the doctor’s office, but it also increases access to healthcare for individuals who live in remote areas.
Telemedicine is generally divided into three categories:
The shift toward telehealth has come with both positive and negative changes to the healthcare industry.
Some of the positive aspects of telehealth include:
A few of the challenges associated with telehealth include:
As with most new technologies, many of the challenges associated with telehealth will be alleviated as the field continues to advance. If you’re interested in a healthcare career, it’s important to keep an eye on telehealth and understand how it’s being used in your field – now and in the future.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.
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