Healthpresence can be defined as health care at a distance that allows patients and doctors to interact even when they are not physically present in the same room. This is possible due to the availability of high–tech internet and video conferencing technology combined with other medical devices. The concept of healthpresence promises to expand the borders of healthcare in a way so as to decrease the health care costs, increase efficiency and enable people to access medical information all over the world. The environment created makes the patients feel at ease, thinking that they are in their doctor’s office.
The concept of health presence is based on the need to cope with the rising need for more accessible health care, and it adds more staff and resources to the overloaded heath care system. The facilities include high definition audio and video equipment, effective storage, and transmission of medical data through EMR (electronic medical record), camera for examination, telephonic stethoscope, ENT (ear/nose/throat) scope, monitor for detection of blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, and other devices required to examine the patient.
Benefits For Healthcare Sector
Healthpresence can be made available to all health care providers, hospitals, educational institutions, and government agencies. They no longer have to rely on specialists to travel, and many more patients can be reached out by the same doctors. In North America, there is often a long waiting period to consult doctors; this can be eliminated by offering the values of healthpresence. Also the use of ambulance and helicopter transportation can be reduced, as doctors and specialists can virtually be “on-site” to examine the patient.
Benefits For Companies
Health care sites or pods can be set up onsite in companies and institutions, and this service can be made available to their employees. This will reduce the time taken off work due to travel or consultation, and thus work out well, both for employees and the company. Employees do not have to take a day off from work to keep an appointment with their doctor, and smother work flow is ensured.
Benefits For Drugstore Retailers
Retailers, such as drugstores and pharmacies, can provide extended healthpresence services for their patients. Most of these retailers already provide limited services, such as blood pressure check, cholesterol screening, for patients. Now they can set up virtual clinics and cater to patients who find it hard to travel and need regular check up for prescription renewal. Also, due to the lower cost involved in setting up these clinics, the patients who previously could not afford regular visits to the doctor will be able to get access to health care whenever they need it.
Lower Healthcare Costs
Health care is getting expensive year after year, and more and more people are unable to afford the high medical costs, including doctor’s fees and cost of treatment. With the facility of healthpresence, this rising cost can be controlled. Doctors do not have to travel to provide a consultation and can “see” many more patients on the same amount of time, with the help of video conferencing.
