Telehealth Communication Skills

The following article is designed to complement A Guide to Video Telehealth Consultations.

Evolution often arises during times of crisis such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. New technologies are already emerging along with more cost-effective, resource-sparing ways of working remotely.

Telehealth is one such example that is currently transforming the healthcare landscape. Driven by the need for social distancing, it offers safe and practical access to cost-effective, quality remote care.

As Rutledge et al. (2017) suggest, telehealth technology can offer many benefits across a broad spectrum of healthcare needs. Patient access to care and advice can be increased whilst costs are decreased, and for those patients who need frequent input or daily monitoring, it can offer significant peace of mind, immediate feedback on wellbeing and the convenience of easy scheduling and attendance of appointments (Bashir 2018).

Not only does telehealth provide easier access to care, but it’s also been shown to increase patient involvement and improve self-care for patients with chronic health complaints, or those who may be transitioning from hospital to home (Day, Millner and Johnson 2016).