How Telehealth Has Improved Healthcare Informatics

Introduction Technology is continuously evolving and healthcare is associated with this. One of the newer innovations in the past few years is the use of telehealth visits in healthcare practices. Telehealth uses both digital information and communication methods to provide and support long-distance health care to patients. Healthcare professionals are also able to incorporate health-related education, public health, and health administration through telehealth. I will discuss how telehealth has improved healthcare informatics and patient care, looking at its impact, potential long-term effects, and the overall positive contributions to the healthcare sector. Impact of Telehealth on Healthcare Informatics Telehealth has greatly altered the

With telehealth platforms, healthcare providers can gather a wide range of patient data in real-time, just as if the patient is there in the office with them. Allowing patients to have this appointment from the comfort of their own homes is changing health care. This data includes chief complaints, medication adherence, and lifestyle information, which can be evaluated so that the healthcare professional can provide personalized care. Telehealth systems, while also being connected with Electronic Health Records (EHRs), make patient data centralized and easily accessible to multiple healthcare providers that are involved in the patient care. This connection helps improve care coordination, reduces unneeded information, and minimizes the chances of errors. The interoperability between telehealth platforms and EHRs shows the advancements in health informatics, promoting a more efficient healthcare delivery system for

Increased accessibility to patients can lead to better health outcomes and a reduction in healthcare disparities. Positive Effects of Telehealth on Patient Care Telehealth has had a positive impact on patient care in many ways. One of the main benefits is the convenience and flexibility that it offers to patients. Telehealth gets rid of the need for travel to healthcare visits and long wait times. Being able to complete a healthcare visit from the comfort of your own home can be very motivating for patients who are seeking care but are hesitant due to distance or waiting times. This is especially beneficial for individuals with mobility issues, chronic illnesses, or those who live in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities (Bashshur et al., 2020). Telehealth has also been shown to improve patient engagement and adherence to their own treatment plans. By having regular follow-up visits and remote monitoring, healthcare providers can keep patients accountable and provide timely care when necessary. This continuous support helps patients manage their conditions more effectively and reduces the likelihood of any future complications.