Telehealth appointments use digital technology to provide remote healthcare services. Platforms like Doctor help are some of the best yet most effective solutions for giving older citizens the medical advice they require from the comfort of their homes.
Online medical consultations through video or phone calls are becoming popular for their convenience and accessibility. For telehealth consultations for seniors, there are several steps involved to ensure an easy transition to online consultations.
8 Benefits of Telehealth Appointments for Seniors
- Doctor Help Telehealth service uses a convenient interface that is easy to use by elder people.
- You can also find our website suggested by Health Direct.
- With online consultation, you easily get over the mobility limitations which usually elder people usually suffer from in-person consultations
- Telehealth is a good option to save yourself from the unnecessary conventional visits to clinics and the germs out there.
- Frequent telehealth consultation gives doctors a better understanding of chronic diseases such as diabetes for elderly people especially, which leads to timely adjustments in treatment plans.
- With the telehealth appointments family members also get to participate in the consultation making healthcare approachable.
- By eliminating the travel and time spent from waiting in clinics leading to the potential cost saving.
- With telehealth consultation, frequent interactions are made with the patients, and this is best for overall health management, especially for elderly people.
Some Barriers to Telehealth Appointments and Their Solutions
As we know telehealth appointments are one of the most valuable healthcare solutions for older adults, there may be a few limitations or barriers that such patients may face especially when it comes to effective use and accessibility. Let’s find the solution together:
Technological Awareness:
⦁ Concern: Many elderly patients have difficulty using the devices.
⦁ Solution: There are many easy-to-use telehealth websites like Doctorhelp with just one click patients can easily avail of the services. Most of the patients are comfortable using mobile phones and there are tutorials or caregivers can help them here by providing the mobile interface with large icons and started apps.
Privacy Concerns:
⦁ Concern: With telehealth consultations, many patients must worry about data privacy
⦁ Solution: One can choose the telehealth services that are approved and registered with the AHPRA and Australian Digital Health Agency. One of these is Doctor Help which is also recommended by Health Direct.
Resistance to change:
⦁ Concern: Elders may be reluctant the change towards the conventional method of consultation. This could be a valid concern, where they are satisfied only after meeting the doctor physically. Sometimes they don’t like the change in the environments as well as they are comfortable with their surroundings and similar healthcare providers.
⦁ Solution: a review from the other patients and the experience of other people matters a lot in this regard. They should be informed of the pros of using telehealth appointments as a cost-effective and accessible solution presented. Although this is vital, consider that telehealth services should just provide support rather than completely replace the patient’s existing relationship with their regular GP.
Which telehealth services are available?
After the pandemic, many telehealth services are increasing trend in the healthcare industry. These services are provided to patients with telehealth platforms that have the approved safety measures and are equipped with proper telehealth teams. Like Doctor Help, provides you with convenient access to medical health providers without in-person consultations. This is the best option for the elderly and people with mobility issues. Here are some of the available telehealth services:
⦁ Medical Certificates online: Doctor Help patients can also get access to medical certificates with less wait time and without wasting their time to travel in person, just fill out one form and get the certificate online or through SMS.
⦁ Prescription Refills: If you require the prescription changes or the refill then telehealth appointments is the best option to get them easily in just a few clicks this is very easy for the aged adults with chronic diseases.
⦁ General practitioner (GP) Advice: Through telehealth patients can easily get a telehealth consultation with the next available GP in a few minutes wait time. Rather than waiting for a turn via in-person appointment.
⦁ Referrals for specialists: based on the remote diagnosis Telehealth GPs can refer patients to the specialist so they don’t have to wait for days to get an appointment and can easily get access. This is the best solution for elderly patients
⦁ Pathology Referrals: Don’t wait for days to get your tests approved and recommended rather book one call, discuss with your GP and get the pathology referral easily
In severe cases, and when the patient is acutely unwell or requires a physical examination, such situations can not be adequately assessed through telehealth appointments.
Which telehealth services are available?
Telehealth consultation preparations entail several measures to ensure the comfort and ability to benefit from the online healthcare experience. One should always consider their comfort and the ability to benefit from the online telehealth sessions in a way you can feel more comfortable and accessible from the online healthcare experience.
Here are some tips through which you can enhance your telehealth experience.
⦁ Choose your easy-to-use device.
⦁ Connect with a reliable internet connection to avoid disturbance.
⦁ Login to the Doctor Help portal.
⦁ For telehealth consultation try to sit in a quiet, well-lit space with comfortable seating.
⦁ Always note down the current symptoms, duration, and severity. Also make a list of your current medications, including dose & frequency, to discuss with your online healthcare professional.
.⦁ Make sure your microphone is taking a clear voice and there are no distortions.
⦁ Keep the blood pressure monitoring device and thermometer or other home monitoring devices such as blood sugar level checking device ready.
⦁ Always prepare a list of questions or concerns before the consultation time to ensure that all your concerns are answered during the session.
⦁ Ensure to discuss any follow-up measures recommended by the online healthcare practitioner. Make sure that you have the changes in medication or treatment plans as told by the telehealth GP.
⦁ If there are some issues after the appointment, make sure to make necessary improvements for future online consultations.
Things to do before a Video Consultation?
To guarantee a seamless and efficient video visit (telehealth appointment), follow these steps:
⦁ Use a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a stable internet connection.
⦁ Install and get accustomed to the telehealth platform or app recommended by your healthcare provider.
⦁ Ensure your camera, microphone, and speakers are functioning properly.
⦁ Record the appointment date, time, and any specific instructions from your healthcare provider, such as login details or pre-appointment paperwork.
⦁ Keep any pertinent medical records, test results, or medication lists accessible for reference.
.⦁ If necessary, have a family member or caregiver present to assist with the technology.
So, telehealth appointments are useful for seniors who are seeking accessible and convenient solutions for health issues that do not require in-person clinical presence. These telehealth services are bridging the gap between healthcare and senior citizens, providing new paths for making medical care accessible for everyone regardless of age.
