Telemedicine is a highly cost-effective option when it comes to managing diseases. It has become an increasingly important option and has been received with open arms by all. The increased interest is due to the fact that in recent years, technology has become cheaper and more universal.
Telemedicine is for everyone, including patients that are suffering from chronic conditions.
Most chronic conditions are difficult to manage; they need frequent monitoring of the patient’s health. This aspect has made controlling chronic conditions difficult for doctors and patients. Telemedicine is a wonderful solution to this problem.
1. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Congestive heart failure is a weakening of the heart and its blood supply mechanism. Diseases that cause heart failure are varied. The most common causes are:
● Artery diseases–Coronary artery disease (CAD)
● Artery blockages-Heart attacks
● Damaged heart muscles
● High blood pressure
Limitations of Traditional Management Methods
Traditional management methods have been less effective when it comes to encouraging an active patient role in the treatment. The incidences of people with CHF requiring re-hospitalization are high. This also results in a high mortality rate for people who have suffered from heart failure. Patient empowerment in this area is important.
How Telemedicine Can Help Manage CHF
Home-monitoring devices can be used by doctors to remotely gather vital patient data, such as
● Weight
● Blood pressure
● Heart rate
● Oxygen saturation levels
Other advanced devices can also help monitor patient data:
● Some devices can transmit ECG (Electrocardiogram) data
● Sounds using an electronic stethoscope
● Videoconferencing for direct interviews
This data is collated, analyzed, and provided to the doctor.
2. Stroke or Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA)
Limitations of Traditional Methods
Traditional methods of following up with stroke patients have a high cost burden. Strokes are a time-critical condition; brain damage can result within minutes since blood flow is blocked. Prompt and proper treatment is critical.
How Telemedicine Can Help Stroke Suffers
Telestroke systems exist which help connect experts with each other via electronic means. This existing network can be improved via telemedicine. Additional benefits include:
● Rapid diagnosis
● Treatment can be supervised by specialists remotely
● Quicker administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)
3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a group term for lung diseases that are serious and progress over time. The most common are emphysema, chronic bronchitis,
Limitations of Traditional Methods
COPD management is more effective when lung health is frequently monitored.
How Telemedicine Can Help COPD Patients
Telemedicine can help patients and doctors by making frequent, remote measurements of lung health using
● Telespirometry
● Teleconsultations with pulmonologists
● Web-based patient education systems can help COPD sufferers self-manage and monitor symptoms.
One study explored the benefits of a telemedicine system designed for COPD patients. The results of the study showed that the intervention was successful and effective. The approach combines 4 areas:
1. Real-time ambulant activity coach
2. A web portal for self-treatment of exacerbations
3. An online exercise program
4. Teleconsultation
Encouraging the patient to take an active role in disease management can reduce mortality rates and improve health. Frequent communication between the doctor and the patient can help identify a problem before it gets worse. Telemedicine also helps in making treatment processes more transparent and lowers hospital costs.
