Small towns and rural locations throughout the country often do not have basic medical services located in them. People who live there have no choice but to drive miles away from home for even a checkup or a medication refill. For individuals who are elderly, disabled, or financially strapped, sometimes this means they have to go without the services they desperately need. In these instances, new technology like telemedicine could provide the solution needed to keep rural residents healthy.
The basis for this technology actually is at least 20 years old if not older. It originated at a time when nurses and doctors would drive vans, RVs, and other vehicles to remote areas to visit with and treat patients. Their vehicles served as a sort of healthcare clinic on wheels that could be taken from town to town on a regular basis. The facilities inside of the vehicles themselves allowed providers to offer basic services like blood pressure checks or vaccinations to school children.
Today, however, these vehicles now have wireless technology that allows providers to Skype or meet virtually with other doctors, nurses, and specialists in faraway cities. They no longer have to make phone calls and tell the patients to wait for an answer. With the touch of a button on a computer, smartphone, or tablet, they can initiate and set up a meeting in a matter of seconds.
During the meeting, the provider on the other end can review the patient's records, speak to the mobile unit provider, and also consult with the patient directly. This gives the person in need of care the opportunity to ask questions, have concerns about his or her health addressed, and set up appointment times for continued care. Patients no longer have to make long distant phone calls or drive miles away for this purpose.
This technology also addresses the needs of at-risk demographics including senior citizens. With limited mobility, these individuals sometimes find themselves lacking the healthcare they need to simply stay alive. Rather than move out of their rural community, they can stay there and get the services needed.
With this type of outreach, they instead can drive to town and see a doctor or nurse right away. They might receive care for illnesses and injuries like pneumonia, broken bones, and cuts. If they require certain medications, they also could get prescriptions and refills from the outreach program.
More hospitals and medical agencies are offering grants to rural healthcare facilities. The federal government is also offering grants for these purposes. It has been argued that within the next decade nearly every rural town could be served in such a manner.
Many rural and remote areas of the country do not have adequate hospitals, medical clinic, and other health services. They rely on clinics on wheels to come to them. These vehicles are equipped with wireless Internet that allows the providers in them to contact specialists in bigger towns miles away. Patients benefit from the instant care and the accessibility of specialized medicine.
The basis for this technology actually is at least 20 years old if not older. It originated at a time when nurses and doctors would drive vans, RVs, and other vehicles to remote areas to visit with and treat patients. Their vehicles served as a sort of healthcare clinic on wheels that could be taken from town to town on a regular basis. The facilities inside of the vehicles themselves allowed providers to offer basic services like blood pressure checks or vaccinations to school children.
Today, however, these vehicles now have wireless technology that allows providers to Skype or meet virtually with other doctors, nurses, and specialists in faraway cities. They no longer have to make phone calls and tell the patients to wait for an answer. With the touch of a button on a computer, smartphone, or tablet, they can initiate and set up a meeting in a matter of seconds.
During the meeting, the provider on the other end can review the patient's records, speak to the mobile unit provider, and also consult with the patient directly. This gives the person in need of care the opportunity to ask questions, have concerns about his or her health addressed, and set up appointment times for continued care. Patients no longer have to make long distant phone calls or drive miles away for this purpose.
This technology also addresses the needs of at-risk demographics including senior citizens. With limited mobility, these individuals sometimes find themselves lacking the healthcare they need to simply stay alive. Rather than move out of their rural community, they can stay there and get the services needed.
With this type of outreach, they instead can drive to town and see a doctor or nurse right away. They might receive care for illnesses and injuries like pneumonia, broken bones, and cuts. If they require certain medications, they also could get prescriptions and refills from the outreach program.
More hospitals and medical agencies are offering grants to rural healthcare facilities. The federal government is also offering grants for these purposes. It has been argued that within the next decade nearly every rural town could be served in such a manner.
Many rural and remote areas of the country do not have adequate hospitals, medical clinic, and other health services. They rely on clinics on wheels to come to them. These vehicles are equipped with wireless Internet that allows the providers in them to contact specialists in bigger towns miles away. Patients benefit from the instant care and the accessibility of specialized medicine.
About the Author:
When you are searching for information about telemedicine, come to our web pages today. More details are available at http://www.licentiam.com now.
No comments:
Post a Comment