Today, with the development of technology, healthcare services have also started to digitalize. Especially during the pandemic, people have started to rely more on digital solutions to access healthcare services. Leading examples of this trend include telehealth and telemedicine.
Telehealth is an application that enables patients to receive healthcare services remotely. Telehealth platforms facilitate video and audio communication between patients and healthcare professionals. This allows patients to see their doctors, get prescriptions and receive medical advice without leaving their homes.
Telemedicine is a form of healthcare that involves remote medical examination and treatment. In this practice, doctors can examine, diagnose and create treatment plans for patients remotely. Telemedicine offers an important solution, especially for people living in rural areas or who have difficulty accessing healthcare services.
During the pandemic, the popularity of telehealth and telemedicine applications has skyrocketed. Reducing the congestion in hospitals due to the pandemic and taking social distancing measures led people to digital healthcare services. During this period, many patients preferred to solve their health problems through telehealth or telemedicine.
With the widespread use of telehealth and telemedicine applications, major changes are taking place in the healthcare sector. Instead of waiting for hours for examinations and wasting time in hospitals, patients can now access healthcare services quickly and efficiently. This increases the satisfaction of both patients and healthcare professionals.
However, as telehealth and telemedicine applications become more widespread, some challenges also arise. Especially the elderly or people who are not tech-savvy may find it difficult to use such digital health applications. In addition, privacy and security concerns may also cause some patients to shy away from these applications.
Despite these challenges, telehealth and telemedicine applications are expected to play an important role in the healthcare sector in the future. These applications can help reduce costs and improve health outcomes, while increasing the accessibility of healthcare services.
