The global pandemic has changed the way we practice emergency medicine, and telemedicine has become a key tool in providing patient care. Telemedicine allows medical professionals to provide remote diagnosis and treatment, eliminating the need for physical visits or trips to the hospital.
This revolutionary technology has allowed emergency physicians to provide care without endangering their own safety or that of their patients. Let’s take a closer look at how telemedicine is transforming emergency care, according to Dr Michael Hilton the former Assistant Medical Director of the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS.
Telehealth Reduces Wait Times and Improves Accessibility
Telemedicine has allowed emergency physicians to monitor patients remotely, reducing wait times for those in need of urgent care. Patients can connect with an emergency physician quickly and easily through video conferencing or telephone calls and receive timely advice on how best to proceed with their treatment plan.
By taking advantage of telemedicine, patients can avoid unnecessary trips to the ER and receive immediate advice from an experienced physician. As a result, wait times are drastically reduced, and accessibility is improved for those who would otherwise not be able to access medical services due to distance or other factors.
Telemedicine Allows Physicians To Monitor Patients Remotely
Another benefit of telemedicine is that it allows physicians to monitor patients remotely, making it possible for them to provide better care without having them physically present in the same location.
With Dr Michael Hilton remote monitoring capabilities, physicians can keep tabs on vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, temperature, etc., allowing them to make informed decisions about a patient’s condition and adjust treatments accordingly if needed.
Furthermore, this technology also enables physicians to follow up with patients after they have been discharged from the hospital or clinic—allowing them more time to consult with specialists—further improving patient outcomes.
Conclusion:
The emergence of telemedicine has revolutionized how we practice emergency medicine by providing unprecedented access to medical services for all individuals, regardless of location or circumstance.