The expansive development and integration of virtual care within the healthcare sector are offering broader access and new modalities for patient treatment. Technology and other market forces are contributing to these advancements, leading to improved patient and provider experiences. Emerging trends, potential benefits, and the associated challenges of virtual care models have been particularly escalated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent adjustments in consumer expectations and healthcare delivery practices.
The Rise of Virtual Care
One of the critical themes in the healthcare sector is the rising inclusion and acceptance of virtual care. This encompasses telemedicine, telehealth, and innovative delivery models that negate the necessity for in-person interactions. Prior to the pandemic, the transition to virtual care was relatively slow, but the exigencies brought about by COVID-19 acted as a catalyst, pushing both patients and providers to embrace these remote care methods. This quick adaptation has now cemented telemedicine and related services as viable, often preferable, alternatives to traditional in-person healthcare visits.
Healthcare organizations have swiftly recognized the potential to enhance patient experience through these virtual care methods. A notable example is hospital-at-home programs, which deliver acute care to patients within their homes. This approach significantly accelerated due to policy changes and the dire need to care for patients remotely during the pandemic, with research by the Chartis Group citing that around 319 hospitals across 37 states had adopted the program as of mid-March.
Aligning with Consumer Expectations
Virtual care aligns well with contemporary consumer expectations. Consumers are now familiar with the concept of acquiring services without physical interactions, which has naturally extended to their healthcare preferences. Post-pandemic, although the volume of virtual care has somewhat decreased, the patient populace has acclimatized to remote healthcare modalities, fostering demand for such services.
Several noteworthy ventures and services exemplify the implementation of virtual care. For instance, Cedars-Sinai Connect, a joint initiative with K Health, provides a 24/7 app-based primary care solution. This service allows patients to engage in video consultations for various healthcare needs ranging from sick care to routine procedures. Similarly, KeyCare, leveraging Epic’s electronic medical records system, has partnered with multiple health systems to offer virtual care services, including primary care and behavioral health.
Technological Innovations in Virtual Care
Technology is a cornerstone in expanding virtual care capabilities. Companies are innovating solutions that permit comprehensive patient oversight with minimal physical presence. Artisight, for example, utilizes AI and a smart-hospital platform with integrated cameras and sensors to aid remote patient interactions and anticipate healthcare issues. Similarly, Avasure’s AI-enhanced virtual sitters support on-site staff, enhancing patient safety and extending the capability to monitor complex patients.
This technology allows for various applications, such as remotely ensuring patient safety at Baptist Health in Jacksonville or OhioHealth’s smart room concept that merges care team coordination with patient information accessibility. These innovations are not only improving patient care but also optimizing operational efficiencies within healthcare facilities.
Addressing Rural Healthcare Gaps
Virtual care is particularly advantageous for rural healthcare, addressing critical care gaps and redistributing services to under-resourced areas. UAB eMedicine’s telehealth offerings for conditions like strokes and chronic kidney disease highlight this aspect by providing vital support even to rural hospitals. This ensures that patients in remote locations receive timely and effective care, which was previously a significant challenge.
The ability to deliver specialized care remotely has been transformative for rural healthcare systems. It has enabled these systems to offer a broader range of services without the need for patients to travel long distances, thereby improving overall healthcare access and outcomes in rural communities.
Operational Benefits for Healthcare Providers
Parallel to technological advancements, virtual care offers operational benefits for healthcare providers. Workforce shortages and the need to support both novice and experienced nurses have led to the development of hybrid care models, combining bedside and virtual care roles effectively. This integration helps distribute workloads and supports the retention and return of nursing staff, especially those reconsidering retirement due to physically demanding shifts.
Organizations are transitioning to team-based nursing models, where virtual care is integral in balancing workloads among care providers. The American Nurses Association backs this model, noting its potential in creating capacity and serving as a retention tool. For institutions, hybrid models promise enhanced patient experiences and operational efficiencies by leveraging both physical and remote nursing capabilities.
Future of Virtual Care
The substantial growth and assimilation of virtual care in the healthcare industry are paving the way for more widespread access and innovative treatment options for patients. Advances in technology and other market dynamics are driving these changes, enhancing both patient and provider experiences. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated the adoption of virtual care models, reshaping consumer expectations and healthcare delivery practices. Emerging trends reveal not only the potential benefits of virtual care but also the challenges it brings. These include technological hurdles, concerns over data privacy, and the need for regulatory adjustments. Despite these challenges, virtual care offers numerous advantages, such as increased convenience for patients, reduced strain on healthcare facilities, and the ability to reach underserved populations. The integration of virtual care is also fostering more personalized treatment plans and continuous monitoring of chronic conditions. As the healthcare landscape evolves, virtual care is poised to play an increasingly crucial role in providing efficient, accessible, and patient-centered healthcare solutions.
