Thursday, August 30, 2018

The Role Of Telemedicine In Rural Communities

By Raymond Jackson


People who live in small or rural towns often lack the medical services they need to stay healthy. They have to travel miles away to bigger towns or forgo medical care altogether. The decision can force some people to suffer from illnesses and injuries needlessly. However, new technology now allows an increasing number of medical providers to bring services to remote locations. With telemedicine, small and rural towns now have the healthcare residents need to stay well.

The basis for this technology actually is at least 20 years old if not older. It originated at a time when nurses and doctors would drive vans, RVs, and other vehicles to remote areas to visit with and treat patients. Their vehicles served as a sort of healthcare clinic on wheels that could be taken from town to town on a regular basis. The facilities inside of the vehicles themselves allowed providers to offer basic services like blood pressure checks or vaccinations to school children.

Today, phone calls no longer need to be made although they are still an option that can be used. Instead, these medical clinics on wheels have wireless connections that allow them to use the Internet to meet with providers working in clinics and hospitals elsewhere. Communication modes like Skype serve as the platform by which these meetings take place. Doctors and patients are able to come face to face instantly.

The virtual meetings have proven to be ideal opportunities for rural providers and patients alike to get together to talk about a variety of healthcare topics. The specialists on the other end of the meeting can view patient records right away and then render a diagnosis. The patient gets fast treatment without having to drive miles away for an appointment. Further, the meetings also can serve as continued care for many people.

This technology also addresses the needs of at-risk demographics including senior citizens. With limited mobility, these individuals sometimes find themselves lacking the healthcare they need to simply stay alive. Rather than move out of their rural community, they can stay there and get the services needed.

The services allow doctors and nurses to access seniors who otherwise might suffer with sicknesses and injuries that could be easily treated. They can bring the mobile units to the town where seniors can get to readily. They also may be able to bring prescription medications to these patients.

More hospitals and medical agencies are offering grants to rural healthcare facilities. The federal government is also offering grants for these purposes. It has been argued that within the next decade nearly every rural town could be served in such a manner.

Technology now allows hospitals and specialty facilities to broaden their reach into rural areas of the country. They are able to meet with and serve people who could be at risk of suffering illnesses and injuries. The recipients likewise also avoid having to drive dozens of miles away from home just to get treated for a wide variety of health conditions. People no longer have to decide whether they can afford to make such a trip or if it is better for them to stay home.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment