Pros and cons of telemedicine during COVID-19 outbreak

As the number of cases of COVID-19 infection are increasing throughout the world, various precautions are being taken to control the spread of the SARS-Cov-2 virus that has caused it. Schools have been shut, office buildings and all other public places are shut with people asked to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. To limit the spread of this infectious disease, normal outpatient departments (OPDs) of the hospital have been shut. Only the emergency centres are working to help the severely sick people.

People are finding it difficult to seek medical care in these times. To cope with this problem, health authorities have been advised to use telemedicine or virtual health portals to help those who need it the most. Telemedicine involves taking medical advice from a doctor via phone call, video calling or messaging.

After the pandemic first emerged in Wuhan city of China in December, patients were advised to seek a physician’s help online rather than in-person. Here in this article, we will talk about the benefits and the disadvantages of virtual health care during COVID-19 outbreak.

Pros of virtual healthcare during COVID-19 outbreak
Cons of virtual healthcare during COVID-19 outbreak

Doctors for Pros and cons of telemedicine during COVID-19 outbreak

Pros of virtual healthcare during COVID-19 outbreak

The benefits of virtual healthcare during COVID-19 outbreak are:

Firstly, there is no chance of you getting exposed to the infection which you could have if you go to a hospital to get the consultation, due to a large gathering of patients.
Telemedicine is also beneficial for doctors as they do not have to get in contact with hundreds of patients who might be infected with the COVID-19 infection.
The doctors can consult a hundred patients a day with the help of virtual health portals which couldn’t have been possible as they handled every case in person in the past.
Telemedicine is best for high-risk non-infected patients such as people with diabetes, asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, and high blood pressure.
Patients can consult with any doctor on a global platform.
People can get 24/7 medical assistance from the best doctors across the world.
Telemedicine not only protects you but also saves your time as you don’t have to wait outside the doctor’s cabin for your appointment. You get connected with the doctor when they get free from the other patient.
If you are hesitant about telling your problems to a doctor personally, this can be your best shot in getting the best advice regarding your health issues.
Virtual healthcare can be used by doctors to check the vitals of patients who are in the isolation wards or ICU wards. This not only prevents the doctor from getting exposed but also saves a PPE which a healthcare provider has to wear every time they go in an infected area.

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Cons of virtual healthcare during COVID-19 outbreak

The disadvantages of virtual healthcare during the COVID-19 outbreak are:

Since the doctor is not being able to see you personally, there are high risks of getting misdiagnosed on a phone call or a video call.
Older patients or those not familiar with technology, and those who do not have smartphones or webcam-enabled computers cannot benefit from telehealth technology.
The doctors need to have good video quality, need to ensure their gadgets ensure good camera quality and sound. If the doctors would not be able to see or hear properly, they won’t be able to understand the severity of the problem
Some services cannot be provided through a virtual portal such as dental treatment or surgical treatment.
No necessary investigations such as X-rays and ultrasounds can be done through a virtual health portal.
No treatment can be given through the virtual health portal. Only medications can be prescribed through online health portals.