A published report by Harvard University has concluded that the use of telemedicine has been on the rise in the rural areas. The report published in Health issue in May reports a 45% jump in patient’s use of telemedicine from 2004 to 2014. Another report published by Nemours Children’s Health System showed that 64% of the parents have used or plan to use telemedicine for the treatment of their child. Despite the obvious benefits there is slow acclimation to the use of telemedicine.
They survey also addressed one of the major points in telemedicine’s growth which is the fact that although most individuals like the idea but so far only 15% of parents have tried the virtual healthcare services. Most are receptive to the idea of utilizing it for common ailments and routine checkups. Most individuals in the survey reported that they would be comfortable using telemedicine for ailments like flu, common cold, pink eye and rashes and would not consider telemedicine for chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
With people and especially parents more aware and more cautious about raising their children a tried and tested healthcare system like Telemedicine stands as a convenient and efficient health care solution for them. The Nemours health system study also reported that although the growth in the telemedicine has been slow, but it is on the cusp of exponential rise as most individuals and parents are becoming more interested in the idea of virtual health care. On average parents spent more than 30 hours on child health visits for the first five years alone and telemedicine service in this case is excellent for busy parents who can have these visits done virtually, saving them time and money.
Telemedicine is not just a novice in healthcare industry but a solution that can serve rural communities who currently suffer because lack of facilities. The technology will not only improve access to care to these communities but also improve local mortality rate for common diseases like malaria, yellow fever since these would be easily prevented with in-time diagnosis and treatment.
Moreover, shifting follow up screening to a telemedicine program could ease the burden on patients who face high costs of care, lack of access to care or have difficulty with transportation or getting time away from work.
The adopt-ability and implementation is still on the verge or inconsistent is several countries around the globe, but local laws that regulate the provision of telemedicine services will help in its widespread ready adoption and use.
In Pakistan, CloudClinik is providing telemedicine services and has been serving rural community in Punjab for the past year. With the advancement in the healthcare sector globally, Pakistan has been quick to adopt these changes. CloudClinik Pakistan not only introduced telemedicine but has established healthcare units in the urban and rural community. With the current implementation plan, CloudClinik plans to extend the telehealth services all across Pakistan especially the rural community so that our motto of healthcare for all is fulfilled.
For further information, please visit www.cloudclinik.qa