Telehealth has taken the world by storm, but even then, there are issues that must be addressed. As primary care physicians using telehealth, several challenges may hinder your ability to care for your patients through this virtual modality. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has become a prominent part of the industry, which is why these potential problems should be recognized and mitigated, as we will explore in-depth.
Technical issues on telehealth platforms
Any activity over the internet, like on telehealth sites and platforms, has the potential for connectivity challenges or even issues with your sound or video quality. Virtual consultations can be challenging if you lack solid internet to communicate clearly with your patients. That's why checking your sound quality, video, and internet connection before your appointments is essential to ensure you are prepared. Furthermore, ensuring you understand how the platform works is necessary to avoid preventable mistakes.
Difficulty maintaining the patient-doctor relationship
When operating over virtual platforms for patient appointments, one of the challenges can be building rapport in the digital space. Telehealth is widely used but not as adopted as the norm by every demographic. A study from Harvard Business Review showed that elderly patients and minorities are less likely to use these platforms. To cultivate patient trust, listen to their responses, encourage them to use these platforms, and ensure they understand the benefits of this treatment option.
## Limited primary care physician examination
One of the most significant expected challenges is the fact that there is limited physician examination in the telehealth space. Even if you are on video and speaking to your patients, it is difficult to truly understand each patient's concern or see the issue yourself. There can be challenges, then, in diagnosing your patient's condition or illness, which is why examining as thoroughly as possible is essential. Ensure that you ask all the questions you need to and understand your patient's concerns before diagnosing them.
## Privacy and patient security concerns
Finally, one of the most significant potential problems with telehealth is the issue of internet security and patient privacy. With electronic health records (EHR), there is always the potential for these records to be hacked, stolen, or tampered with on these third-party platforms. While this can prevent many from using these platforms, there are ways to mitigate this. For instance, you can take extra steps to safeguard patient data, ensuring that you protect and secure their data during these virtual visits.
## Mitigate concerns and support your patients effectively
While telehealth has numerous challenges, there are many benefits to including these platforms as part of your primary care efforts for your patients. With proper steps to mitigate the obstacles prevented and to avoid your burnout in caring for patients in the virtual space, you can support patients, diagnose their challenges, and continue to implement and benefit from the future of medicine. There will be ongoing improvements, but understanding telehealth and the current challenges will secure your patient's trust in you as their primary care provider.
