AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
IND
Summary
- The global healthcare sector has been undergoing a significant transformation in the light of the pandemic.
- One of the key transformations in the sector has been the increased usage of virtual healthcare options.
- The virtual healthcare industry at large, however, is still in need of major improvement in terms of infrastructure and training staff.
With our increased dependence on medical facilities, the global healthcare sector has been undergoing a significant transformation in the light of the pandemic.
One of the key transformations in the sector has been the increased usage of virtual healthcare options. Amid lockdowns and social distancing measures, the alternative access to medical support via telehealth apps has been widely encouraged too.
While present and well-known, virtual healthcare was never this prevalent in Canada until the pandemic. But does that mean it is leading a transformation in the healthcare sector in Canada? Let’s find out.
How Virtual Health Services Became Popular?
Virtual healthcare is all about extended technological solutions, where in-person practices like meeting the doctor for a check-up is replaced with online video conferences or call and text-based appointments, etc.
A survey by Canada Health Infoway notes that only four per cent of the primary healthcare services were virtual until the pandemic. This number expanded to as much as 60 per cent in 2020.
The survey also highlighted that nine out of 10 Canadians felt that such online facilities can be used as an alternative to in-person visits.
As for mental healthcare services, a research by Canadian Medical Association (CMA) points that younger individuals are more likely to choose online options than others.
Copyright © 2021 Kalkine Media
The Pros & Cons Of Online Healthcare Services
A Cisco global survey noted that 74 per cent of people prefer telehealth services because of the easy access to medical practitioners.
It also benefits people who live in remote locations or have difficulty in travelling. In other words, telehealth services have been able to expand peoples’ access to healthcare assistance largely.
On the other hand, however, the virtual healthcare industry is still in need of major improvement, especially in the fields of training staff and infrastructure.
Making health records available on online platforms will also be an important step to take so that lack of patient history does not lead to incorrect treatment. But with time and proper initiatives, these changes are likely to take place in the future.
