Telemedicine in Rehabilitative Care.

Telemedicine had been a slowly developing option in many places, but was thrust into the forefront when COVID-19 reared its ugly head. It has advanced tremendously since and is almost ubiquitous at this point. More doctors and healthcare professionals seem to offer with each passing day. A linear path turned parabolic as it were.

Telemedicine is an incredibly useful tool for those recovering, especially once they are returned home. People can connect with their caregivers from the comfort of their home instead of arranging travel or needing an expensive in-house visit.

Often leading to lower costs and more access. The technological shift may be difficult for some patients, but can usually be overcome with support from nurses, IT, and other support staff. Other concerns are some patients just prefer in-person visits. Though if this is the case, waits should be shorter for those patients. Travel is also a concern for many that will need to be supported for the patient being rehabilitated.

Telemedicine coupled with advancing AI can help keep doctors up-to-date on each patient more effectively, predict outcomes, and suggest improvements all of which can conveniently conveyed through telehealth to the patient.

Telemedicine visits can often, from my experience at least, be arranged quicker and open appointments often set days out instead of weeks. This leads to better monitoring and potentially an improved sense of security for the patient, knowing that their provider's face is just a few clicks away.


Further Reading and Refernces

1. Bashshur, R. L., Shannon, G. W., & Krupinski, E. A. (2011). The taxonomy of telemedicine. Telemedicine and e-Health, 17(6), 484-494 2. Wootton, R. (2012). Twenty years of telemedicine in chronic disease management—an evidence synthesis. Journal of telemedicine and telecare, 18(4), 211-220.