Healthy Living > Physical health > The digital healthcare revolution
Blog Article | | | By Simplyhealth | 11 February 2022 |
The global COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on our lives. Not only has the threat of the virus, combined with various ‘lockdowns’ shifted the ways in which we socialise and work; but also, the way we seek help for our health concerns from GPs and other healthcare professionals.
At a time when health became the top priority for many in the UK, our healthcare services were put under strain like never seen before! In a bid to maximise resource, alleviate pressure on NHS services and create a COVID-safe environment in which people could seek the advice and healthcare they needed, the digital healthcare revolution was accelerated.
It is estimated that in the UK, phone and video GP appointments rose from 13% in late 2019 to 48% during the pandemic’s first wave peak between April to June 20201. Forced to limit visitors to doctors’ surgeries and hospitals to only those strictly necessary, many appointments were done over the phone or via video. Although an adjustment to the way in which many sought help for health concerns; this new approach comes with many benefits
With the perception that the healthcare landscape may have changed for good following the pandemic, virtual appointments are likely here to stay, which we think is great! For some of the more hesitant to the approach, this may leave a burning question. Is remote healthcare as reliable as face-to-face appointments?
The answer is yes, under the right circumstances. There are of course some issues that require a face-to-face consultation, and virtual appointments will never be a replacement for that. Virtual GP appointments are always a great place to start to seek advice and treatment, however if a GP ever feels like you need to be assessed in person, they will suggest a face-to-face appointment.
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