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During COVID-19, telemedicine emerged as an alternative to in-person visits, offering hope for underserved communities. By utilizing this technology, people can access quality healthcare without barriers, saving time and money. For instance, a parent can avoid losing a day’s pay by remotely consulting with a doctor for their sick child.

However, telemedicine still has a long way to go in terms of achieving healthcare equity. Dr. Kelsey Schweiberger, a pediatrician and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Pitt’s School of Medicine, states that while most parents have smartphones, they often can’t afford computers or internet access. This lack of dedicated internet access has become a social determinant of health, making it difficult for parents to rely on public places with free Wi-Fi, such as libraries.

Dr. Schweiberger, along with her fellow researchers, studies how patients utilize telemedicine and patient portals to improve health outcomes. The accessibility and flexibility of telemedicine and patient portals are among their biggest advantages. With just a smartphone and public Wi-Fi, patients can schedule and consult with their doctors without leaving their neighborhood. This empowers individuals to consistently care for themselves and their families while minimizing interruption to their work and routine.

In addition, patient portals allow for easy communication between patients and healthcare providers through messages. During the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in patient portal usage, with patients utilizing it to ask questions, seek guidance, and request refills and follow-up care. Patient empowerment is fostered through feeling more informed and connected with their providers.

Despite these benefits, there are still obstacles in utilizing telemedicine. Affordable access to devices and internet remains a challenge. Furthermore, there is a lack of digital literacy among certain populations. Language barriers also exist, as patient portals are often only available in English, creating a need for inclusive options for non-native English speakers.

Dr. Schweiberger acknowledges the resilience and resourcefulness of her patients who navigate the portal despite language barriers. However, she believes that supporting multiple languages in the future will make access even easier. Confidential care for adolescents and mental health treatment also present challenges in telemedicine due to privacy concerns in multi-generational homes, shelters, or for survivors of domestic violence. Efforts are made to ensure confidentiality through safe words, headphones, and visual cues, but perfection is yet to be achieved.

As telemedicine continues to develop, addressing affordability, digital literacy, and language accessibility will be crucial in making healthcare more equitable and empowering patients to take charge of their own health.

The post Telemedicine: Promises, Obstacles, and Patient Empowerment appeared first on satProviders.