COVID-19 Crisis: What is the Role of Telehealth?
TLDR
Telehealth is indisputable in promoting social distance, which is a proven public health promotion intervention for curbing the spread of coronavirus.Abstract:
Background: The adverse outcomes of COVID-19 on the healthcare system has prompted the enactment of social distancing and self-isolation or quarantine to minimize the spread of the contagious virus. The need for social distancing and isolation has made telehealth a game-changer in the war against COVID-19.
Objectives: The objectives of this study were: (1) To evaluate the current trends of using telehealth during COVID-19 pandemic, (2) To discuss regulatory and policy changes related to telehealth at the service provider level, (3) To analyze recommendations by professional organizations, and (4) To evaluate challenges and recommendations for best practices.
Methods: This is a narrative review. Most current information (focused on the measures that the healthcare system has adopted to integrate telehealth in the coronavirus response measures) was obtained from peer-reviewed journals and the website of payers, pharmacies, and professional organizations.
Results: Response and management of COVID-19 has seen a surge in the use of telehealth and mobile applications. Health insurance providers have reformed their payer policies to integrate telehealth in COVID-19 response. Waiving premiums, co-pays, and cost-sharing are the most common changes across the industry. For example, Cleveland Clinic has reported a 1,665% increase in the number of telemedicine visits, recording 60,000 visits in March compared to 3,400 before coronavirus. The expansion of telehealth in the era of COVID-19 has presented practical challenges stymying progress.
Conclsion: Telehealth is indisputable in promoting social distance, which is a proven public health promotion intervention for curbing the spread of coronavirus.read more
References
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Critical Supply Shortages - The Need for Ventilators and Personal Protective Equipment during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
TL;DR: Critical Supply Shortages U.S. hospitals are already reporting shortages of key equipment needed to care for critically ill patients with Covid-19, including ventilators and personal protective equipment.
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TL;DR: On January 20, state and local health departments in the United States began identifying and monitoring all persons considered to have had close contact with patients with confirmed COVID-19, to ensure rapid evaluation and care of patients, limit further transmission, and better understand risk factors for transmission.
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TL;DR: Healthcare providers should revisit disaster response policies to incorporate telemedicine systems to address some of the unique challenges posed by infectious disease outbreaks such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
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TL;DR: The current world‐wide event has now been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the associated disease has been named COVID‐19.