Expanding Access to Care

Virtual care has the potential to significantly increase access to treatment services. A report by Accenture reveals that virtual behavioral health services could expand access to care for more than 53 million people. Similarly, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is committed to improving prevention, treatment, and recovery support services for mental illnesses and substance use disorders through virtual care.

Telehealth services are also on a steep upward trajectory, with startups using funding to grow their communities, expand treatment databases, and advance research. This expansion in access to care is particularly significant for individuals living in remote areas, where traditional healthcare facilities may be inaccessible.

Improving Patient Outcomes

Another key value of virtual care lies in its capacity to improve patient outcomes. For example, Philips, a global leader in health technology, and U.S. healthcare provider CoxHealth have co-designed an in-house virtual care solution aimed at improving patient outcomes and increasing staff satisfaction. The collaboration illustrates how technology companies and healthcare providers can work together to create tailored virtual care solutions that address specific patient needs and improve health outcomes.

Enhancing Patient Engagement and Experience

Virtual care is not just about providing medical services remotely; it's also about enhancing the patient experience. McKinsey reports that virtual care is a key element in the future of healthcare delivery in the United States, as shown by its continued adoption and ever-increasing popularity.

Furthermore, the American Medical Association (AMA) has developed a telehealth framework for provider practices that demonstrates the value of virtual care in improving patient engagement. By enabling patients to participate actively in their care, virtual care can lead to better health outcomes and improved patient satisfaction.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite its numerous benefits, virtual care also faces several barriers. However, these challenges are not insurmountable. By providing medical services across geographic borders and sharing clinical expertise with patients and other healthcare professionals, telehealth practitioners can overcome these barriers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, virtual care is revolutionizing healthcare delivery by broadening the horizon and diversifying treatment services. It is expanding access to care, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing the patient experience. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, virtual care will undoubtedly play an increasingly critical role in shaping the future of healthcare.

References:

: https://www.fiercehealthcare.c...
: https://store.samhsa.gov/sites...
: https://www.fiercehealthcare.c...
: https://www.philips.com/a-w/ab..
: https://www.mckinsey.com/indus...
: https://www.ama-assn.org/pract...
: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...