Is seeing your GP online becoming the new norm?
Telemedicine has been around for a number of years but has never really taken off until the Covid-19 pandemic. As GP practices had to close their doors, seeing a doctor online became a real alternative.
As the country continues to grapple with the pandemic, millions have been seeing doctors from the comfort of their homes - and many happily so.
A recent survey found that patients using telemedicine felt positive about the ability to establish a connection, and to build trust. The use of telemedicine is now running at approximately 33% of all GP consultations, which is far in excess of the pre-pandemic rate of less than 7%.
“Covid-19 finally forced patients to recognise the value of telemedicine in order to keep both themselves and doctors safe,” says David Currie, Partnership Director of 1Stop4aGP. “Patients began to appreciate the ability to connect with providers without putting themselves at risk during the pandemic and doctors have also embraced the switch, many trying telehealth for the first time. When the remote visits have a video component, doctors are able to do 95% of what they would do in person,” he adds.
A 1Stop4aGP patient, Jane Brooks, from Milton Keynes, recently had a telehealth appointment for a painful rash and said she found she preferred the virtual method to past in-person visits. “It gives you the freedom to stay at home and not have to expose yourself to whatever might be in the waiting room,” she says. As soon as she “put her face in front of the camera” and described the discomfort, the doctor was able to diagnose her with shingles, a viral infection. Ms Brooks felt she had her doctor’s full attention, despite them not being in the same room.
In addition to reducing viral transmission risk, telemedicine is undoubtedly convenient. Delays, like getting stuck in traffic, are no longer an issue. With it simply being a matter of logging onto a call or online appointment, it helps patients be on time, and in turn, doctors.
In conclusion, David Currie stated, “Whilst it is difficult to say anything positive about the pandemic, these last 10 months have really moved telemedicine forward 5 to 7 years,” The pandemic has proved the efficiency of telemedicine, which is surely here to stay.
