As technology evolves, so does the medical industry. In recent years, virtual health systems have emerged as a potential game changer in health care. These systems allow patients to connect with doctors and other medical professionals remotely through video conferencing or other digital platforms. Proponents of virtual care argue that they have the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. However, there is still some debate about the effectiveness of virtual health systems, and more research is needed to determine their actual impact on the healthcare system.

By embracing Virtual Health patients' and doctors' lives become easier and stress-free.

What Is Virtual Healthcare?

Virtual healthcare refers to the "virtual visits" that take place between patients and doctors  via zoom or other virtual companies. These visits can take many forms, but all involve the use of some form of live video streaming to connect the two parties. Virtual healthcare is still a relatively new field, but it is growing rapidly as more and more people recognize its potential benefits.

One of the most appealing aspects of the virtual health system is that it offers a convenient way to receive care. Patients can book appointments and consult with doctors from the comfort of their own homes without having to travel to a clinic or hospital. This is especially beneficial for those who live in remote areas or who have difficulty getting around. Patients can also access their data through a  patient portal. Analyzing all the data from the patient’s portal is even easier for doctors.

In addition, virtual healthcare can provide timely access to care, as appointments can be booked at times that are convenient for both patients and clinics. As the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, virtual healthcare will likely play an increasingly important role in meeting patient needs.

Virtual Health Applications Or Categories

Virtual health applications are digital health tools that allow remote patient monitoring from providers remotely using telecommunications technology. Common examples of virtual health applications include telehealth, digital therapeutics, and care navigation. 

Telehealth

Telehealth is the use of telecommunications technology to provide remote clinical services, such as patient consultations, diagnosis, and treatment. It can be used for both routine care and urgent/emergency care situations. 

Digital Therapeutics

Digital therapeutics are software applications used to manage a disease or condition. They can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments, such as medication or lifestyle changes. Common examples of digital therapeutics include mobile apps for tracking fitness or managing chronic conditions like diabetes. 

Care Navigation

Care navigation is the use of technology to help patients navigate the healthcare system and connect with the right provider for their needs. It can involve features such as appointment scheduling, provider directories, and cost estimators. Care navigation apps are often used by patients with complex medical conditions who see multiple specialists.

Disease Management

Disease management is another common type of digital therapeutic. Disease management apps can help patients track their symptoms, medication side effects, and progress towards their treatment goals. They can also provide education and support to help patients better understand their condition and how to best manage it.

Critical Element

The use of virtual health is rising as the in-person healthcare system continues to face pressures. Increasing numbers of patients that want to use virtual care, coupled with rising prices and growing levels of stress, are causing many people to seek out alternative methods of care. Virtual health is one of the most popular options, allowing patients to receive care from anywhere. This type of care has several benefits including:

Increasing Number Of Patients

As the traditional healthcare system continues to struggle with rising patient numbers, virtual health is becoming an increasingly attractive option. By allowing patients to receive care from a distance, virtual health can help to reduce overcrowding and waiting times.

By providing access to care from a distance, virtual health can help to improve clinical outcomes and reduce costs for patients. Additionally, it can help to reduce the burden on healthcare providers by allowing them to see more patients in a shorter amount of time.

Increased Utilization, Growing Prices, And Patient Stress

The increased utilization of virtual health services, coupled with rising prices and patient stress levels, is another key factor driving growth in this area. Virtual health can help to reduce the financial burden on patients by providing cost-effective care. Additionally, it can help to reduce stress levels by providing a convenient and accessible care option.

Distributed Patient Geography

Another key element of virtual health is the fact that it can be used to reach patients in distributed geographical areas. This is particularly beneficial for rural communities that may have limited access to traditional healthcare services. Virtual health can help to close the geographical divide by providing quality care regardless of location.

It is no surprise that rural areas have a higher prevalence of chronic disease patients and related mortality. The NCES reports show this to be the case, with one study finding an 11% increase in premature death from heart problems alone between 1980-1995 compared to metropolitan counties.

Dimensions

As our world changes so does the landscape of healthcare. In order to meet the needs of our ever-evolving population, healthcare organizations must constantly be innovating and adapting their strategies. The dimensions of healthcare are constantly shifting, and it can be difficult to keep up with the latest trends. However, by understanding the five key dimensions of healthcare, organizations can ensure that they are best positioned to meet the needs of their patients. 

1. Growth Strategy

As the population grows and ages, the demand for healthcare services will increase. To meet this demand, organizations must have a clear strategy for growth. This may include expanding access to care, increasing capacity, or investing in new technologies. 

One way to drive growth in virtual health is to expand beyond clinic visit replacement and into new markets and populations. This can be done by targeting specific demographics or geographic areas that are underserved by traditional healthcare services. Additionally, organizations can explore new applications of virtual health that can be used to reach more patients. By expanding their offerings and reaching new markets, organizations can help grow the virtual health industry.

2. Innovation And Cost Structure

With the rising cost of healthcare, organizations must find ways to improve efficiency and control costs. This may involve investing in new technologies, streamlining operations, or reducing waste. 

One way to identify patient demographics whose remote contacts could be scaled up with equipment is to look at those who have a particular chronic disease. For example, patients with heart problems, diabetes, or respiratory conditions may benefit from increased access to virtual health services.

Additionally, specialties whose remote contacts could be scaled with this equipment include mental health, pediatric care, and senior care. Organizations can help improve outcomes and reduce patient costs by focusing on these specific areas.

3.Consumer Experience & Outcomes

As healthcare consumers become more informed and engaged, they expect higher service levels and better outcomes. Organizations must focus on delivering a positive patient experience across all areas to meet high expectations of an in-person clinic. . 

4.Physician Alignment

In order to provide high-quality care, organizations must align their physician groups with their strategic goals. This may involve establishing clinical protocols, adopting new technologies, or providing training and support. 

In order to develop the skills and motivation of the workforce to enable virtual care, healthcare organizations should focus on training and support in this specific area.

5. Technology Infrastructure

To effectively meet the needs of today’s digital consumer, healthcare organizations must have a robust technology infrastructure in place. This may include investing in new software or hardware, upgrading network security, or expanding data storage capacity. 

Some highlights of Virtual applications:

• Those that allow for delivering care outside of a traditional brick-and-mortar setting. This can include services like telehealth or telemedicine.
• Interoperability with systems of engagement refers to the ability of different software systems to communicate with each other. This is important for healthcare organizations as it allows them to exchange data and work collaboratively.
• Supporting infrastructure includes things like data storage capacity and network security. Healthcare organizations need these in order to store and transmit patient data safely and securely.

By understanding these five dimensions of healthcare, organizations can ensure that they are best positioned to deliver high-quality care in an ever-changing landscape.

Final Thoughts

Virtual health systems are becoming more prevalent as technology advances. There are many different types of virtual health applications, but all share one critical element- the ability to provide care remotely. This makes them a perfect solution for patients who need care but can't easily access it, such as those in rural areas or who would rather stay at home.

Additionally, virtual healthcare can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient, making it an extremely versatile option. Are you interested in learning more about Innovation in Virtual Health systems and how Data acquisition through the entire process occurs? Check out Enter Health for more information!