When people are diagnosed with cancer, such as the people in the Zantac cancer case, their specific behavior patterns, like smoking, binge eating, and a lack of physical activity can have an impact on the probability of them responding to the treatment. Additionally, there are cases where diagnosed patients are unable to treat their cancer for a variety of reasons, such as a lack of mobility or human support. However, with the help of telehealth, people can now overcome such issues.
The origins of telehealth, as we know it today, can be traced back to the 1960s. NASA formed technology to track astronauts’ health during their time in space. However, telehealth eventually made its way into mainstream clinical practice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This resulted in its increasing application and adoption in nearly every area of patient care.
What is telehealth?
Telehealth refers to the use of electronic communication and information technologies to access and administer healthcare services in remote locations. Mobile devices and computers including tablets and smartphones are examples of technologies. This could be the technology you use at home. In rural areas, a caregiver or other healthcare professional could provide telehealth from a doctor’s facility situated far away. Telehealth can also refer to the use of technology by your healthcare provider to improve or supplement healthcare services using technology.
It is a widely accepted fact that telehealth is improving healthcare efficiency, let’s see how-
- It makes healthcare more readily available to individuals living in rural or remote areas.
- It will assist you in keeping yourself and others safe if you have contracted an infectious disease such as COVID-19.
- With the help of telehealth, primary care is provided for a variety of illnesses in the comfort of your home.
- It improves accessibility or convenience for individuals who have limited mobility, a tight schedule, or lack of transportation.
- It helps make medical experts available 24/7.
- It improves communication and coordination between health care team members and the person receiving care.
- It helps in giving real time advise on health-care and self-management.
Many people found telehealth to be beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to use it. Telehealth is becoming increasingly popular. Here are some ways that telehealth services can benefit your health care, particularly when treating cancer.
How can telehealth cure cancer?
Tele-oncology is the application of telehealth used for cancer care. Tele-oncology enables a patient to discuss the issue with a Cancer Center provider from a distance using communication technology. With the help of high-definition cameras, monitors, and audio equipment, patients and doctors in rural areas can communicate easily providing effective healthcare services by staying connected with the oncology department at a Cancer Center situated in the city.
Although the concept of cameras and audio technology may appear straightforward, the education and training surrounding telehealth programs enable qualified staff and professionals on both ends of the camera to provide smooth, superior care. These specialists assess patients in real-time, advise on treatment options and follow-up considerations, and guide bedside health care professionals through specialized procedures for a wide range of oncology needs of the patient. Telehealth for oncology allows patients to remain in close proximity to their homes and family. This also helps them feel relaxed and avoid unnecessary travel.
While frequent telehealth visits can indeed be executed from the comfort of your own home using a laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone, tele-oncology represents the integration with a local clinic provider at a specified location. You have the liberty to consult them as many times as you want without having to think about the travel expenses and hassles. It’s similar to going to your local clinic, with familiar people nearby, but it also includes the expert knowledge of a specialist who may be in a larger metropolitan region on a big screen. Once wired up, the onsite provider will communicate on the screen with both you and your cancer center expert. The visit is similar to any other medical visit in that you can speak up, take notes, and discuss any concerns you have.
Who can get it?
Previously, telemedicine was primarily utilized by patients who resided in rural areas and had to travel a considerable distance to see a doctor. But nowadays, telehealth for oncology is increasingly being used for patients living anywhere in the world. It is frequently more convenient and saves time on the road. It can also cut down on the amount of time you have to take off work and the time you might otherwise spend in a reception area.
Conclusion-
Telemedicine may not be pertinent in certain situations. Patients, for example, cannot undergo procedures or obtain imaging tests remotely. Speak with your cancer care team to see if telehealth is an option as part of your treatment plan.
Also Read: Google AI Model: A More Accurate Mode to Detect Breast Cancer
