The healthcare industry has identified the need to keep up with the increasingly digitalised world through the development of telemedicine. Telemedicine is the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients by medical professionals through telecommunications technology, such as video, phone, and messaging.
Telemedicine in Singapore has proven to be one of the best developments in the healthcare sector over the years. In particular, after the surge of COVID-19, more and more healthcare providers are now offering to examine their patients by computers and smartphones.
Many advantages come with the use of telemedicine or telehealth. Below are some of these fundamental benefits:
1. Improves healthcare access
This is perhaps the most notable benefit of telemedicine – it increases access to healthcare, especially in remote areas and difficult communities.
Before the development of telemedicine, many people in rural areas and senior living homes find it difficult to provide the necessary healthcare services due to long-distance or challenging conditions.
Now, through the help of telemedicine, everyone can easily access various health services, such as preventive health screenings and mental health diagnoses, without the need to go outside their homes.
Essentially, the adoption of telehealth services has helped ensure that access to healthcare is provided as equally as possible to everyone.
2. Protects patients and medical personnel
The risk of infection and the surging demands on the healthcare sector have made telemedicine a safe and necessary tool. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the preparedness of many healthcare institutions to protect their patients and personnel.
Notably, in Singapore, several healthcare workers became infected with the coronavirus during its peak. Due to the high probability of transmission, telehealth services have become the safest and most convenient alternative to hospital visits.
Indeed, since telemedicine minimises personal contact, the risk of infection among patients and medical personnel can be significantly reduced.
3. Helps conserve medical supplies and bed space
The use of telemedicine has also helped lessen the demand for medical supplies and hospital beds by keeping low-risk patients at home. Doctors can already reach these low-risk patients via Zoom and other online applications through telehealth services. This limits their exposure and helps them conserve their protective equipment and hospital space.
The COVID-19 pandemic is overwhelming the healthcare industry with the surge of patients and medical demands. For this reason, many people have seen the need for telemedicine as the best solution to combat another possible hospital overcrowding and supply scarcity in the future.
4. Provide Comfort and Convenience
With telemedicine, people no longer need to drive to the hospital or a doctor’s clinic whenever they’re sick. They can consult an online doctor or take a virtual ART test in Singapore from the comfort of their bed or sofa.
This has made it easier for them to fit their medical appointments into their busy schedules or immediately take action to initiate the Home Recovery Programme.
After all, comfort and convenience are two of the most fundamental benefits of telemedicine, especially in today’s busy and fast-paced world.
Conclusion
As the world becomes increasingly digitalised, the healthcare sector has found an effective way to combine the modernisation of technology with the enhancement of healthcare services, giving birth to the concept of digital health. With just a few clicks, you can already address all your medical needs without much hassle!
If you’re looking for the easiest and most convenient way to consult a doctor online, the MyCLNQ app is your solution. As the leading telemedicine app in Singapore, MyCLNQ can provide all the medical services that you need in one place, including medical consultation, medicinal e-commerce, and even supervised ART test booking in Singapore.