Virtual care’s potential for strategic growth
Changing healthcare through virtual encounters offers challenges in achieving integration and maximizing the financial impact.
According to Li, Borycki and Kushniruk, “Virtual care extends beyond the walls of healthcare organizations to provide care at a distance.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the healthcare landscape in many ways, and one of the most significant changes has been the rapid growth and widespread adoption of virtual care. With social distancing measures in place and an increased need for remote access to healthcare services, patients have embraced virtual care as a convenient and safe alternative to traditional in-person appointments.
As a result, healthcare organizations have had to adapt quickly to meet this growing demand for telehealth services. From implementing new technology platforms and workflows to developing comprehensive virtual care strategies, providers across the industry have recognized the importance of incorporating virtual care into their overall approach to patient care.
At the same time, the rise of retail giants such as Amazon, Walmart and CVS Health entering the healthcare space has also accelerated the growth of virtual care. These companies have leveraged their widespread reach and technology resources to offer virtual consultations and other telehealth services, further disrupting the traditional healthcare model.
There’s a lot to consider in measuring the maturity of virtual care as well as its integration into overall care strategies, particularly looking at the impact on both patient care delivery and financial considerations for healthcare organizations.
The maturity of virtual care
Gawade et al., stated, “In today’s world, where time is of the essence, an average human wastes a lot of time waiting in line to consult a doctor.” Virtual care refers to any healthcare service or consultation that is conducted remotely using technology platforms such as video conferencing or mobile applications. While telemedicine has been around for decades, it was not widely adopted until recently because of regulatory barriers and limited reimbursement options.
However, with advancements in technology and changes in regulations during the pandemic, virtual care has rapidly matured into a mainstream method of delivering healthcare services. According to McKinsey & Company's research report on telehealth adoption during COVID-19, US consumers' use of telehealth went from 11 percent of encounters in 2019 to 46 percent in May 2020. This explosive growth is a clear indication that patients are embracing virtual care as a viable option for receiving medical attention.
Furthermore, providers are also recognizing the value and potential of virtual care. Many healthcare organizations have expanded their telehealth offerings, with some even creating dedicated virtual care departments to support patients remotely. As a result, the maturity of virtual care is not only evident in its widespread adoption but also in the level of investment and resources being allocated by healthcare organizations.
Integration into care strategies
The integration of virtual care into overall care strategies has become increasingly important for providers in recent years. With an emphasis on value-based care and patient-centered approaches, incorporating virtual care can improve the overall efficiency and quality of a healthcare organization's services.
For example, virtual consultations can reduce waiting times for patients, enabling them to receive timely medical attention without having to wait for an in-person appointment. This can be especially beneficial for individuals living in rural or underserved areas who may have limited access to traditional healthcare facilities.
Moreover, integrating virtual care into chronic disease management plans can enhance patient engagement and improve health outcomes. For patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, remote monitoring through wearable devices and virtual appointments can help providers track their progress more closely and intervene quickly if necessary.
Additionally, incorporating virtual mental health services into overall care strategies has shown promising results in improving access to mental health support for patients. Virtual therapy sessions have reduced barriers such as stigma and transportation issues that may prevent individuals from seeking traditional mental health treatment.
Impact on care delivery
The impact of virtual care on the way healthcare is delivered is significant. One obvious benefit is the convenience it offers to patients; they no longer need to take time off work or travel long distances for routine check-ups or consultations. This convenience factor has led to increased satisfaction among patients using telehealth services.
Moreover, reduced exposure to germs during the pandemic has made virtual care a safer option than traditional in-person appointments. By limiting face-to-face interactions, both patients and providers are at lower risk of contracting infectious diseases.
The speed at which telehealth appointments can be scheduled and completed is another advantage of virtual care. In some cases, urgent medical needs can be addressed remotely, without the patient having to wait for an available in-person appointment slot.
Impact on finances
The financial impact of virtual care is twofold: it affects both patients and healthcare organizations.
For patients, telehealth services can be more cost-effective than traditional appointments, as they often do not require a copayment or other fees associated with in-person visits. This makes virtual care more accessible to individuals who may have limited financial resources or lack insurance coverage.
On the other hand, healthcare organizations also can benefit financially from incorporating virtual care into their overall care strategies. By reducing the number of in-person appointments and utilizing technology platforms, providers can cut costs related to administrative tasks and streamline workflows.
Furthermore, increased patient satisfaction and improved health outcomes through virtual care can lead to better retention rates and overall profitability for healthcare organizations.
Challenges and solutions
While virtual care has shown many advantages during its rapid growth, there are also challenges that need to be addressed for it to reach its full potential. One significant hurdle is the digital divide; not everyone has access to reliable Internet or technology devices necessary for participating in telehealth appointments. This issue disproportionately affects low-income communities and underserved populations, creating disparities in access to virtual care services.
To address this challenge, government agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission have allocated funding for expanding broadband infrastructure in rural areas. Additionally, some healthcare organizations have implemented programs that provide patients with technology devices or offer telehealth consultations over the phone rather than requiring internet access.
Another challenge is ensuring regulatory compliance while maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality during virtual appointments. To address this concern, guidelines have been established by governing bodies such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to ensure secure communication channels between patients and providers during telehealth encounters.
The pandemic has accelerated the growth and maturity of virtual care, with patients and healthcare organizations embracing its convenience and benefits. The integration of virtual care into overall care strategies has improved the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery, leading to better patient outcomes.
However, challenges such as the digital divide and regulatory considerations must be addressed for virtual care to reach its full potential in providing accessible and high-quality healthcare services. As technology continues to evolve, the future of virtual care looks promising as a key component of the healthcare industry's transformation towards more patient-centered and value-based approaches.
William Triplett is a fellow of the American College of Health Data Management, a technology advisor for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a faculty member on health information technology for the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. His profile can be found here.