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In light of COVID-19, what are some changes you would like to see in the healthcare field?
#healthcare #doctor #medicine #technology #dentist #physical-therapy #physician #COVID-19 #JULY20
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6 answers
Updated
Shivani’s Answer
Hi Iqra,
Some of the changes that I have seen in the medical field due to COVID center around telehealth and tele-medicine. I see both positive and negative aspects toward this.
Positive: Transitioning to virtual visits for patients can help non-covid patients obtain refills for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol...these patients do not have to risk exposing themselves to the virus by going out to the office just for a follow visit where a physical exam or blood work is not needed. IN addition, I hope that the transition into virtual visits becomes more mainstream and accessible ONLY in more vulnerable areas such as rural areas and prisons (where it is hard to find access to medical care).
Negative: Practicing medicine over a virtual visit is HARD. I cannot read the patient's body language, I cannot do a physical exam, I cannot clearly see the skin rash over a poor quality video, I cannot put my hands on a patient and show them I am really examining them for reassurance. IN addition, (more admin and political side) many physicians are not getting paid the same amount for virtual visits as for in person. That being said, I agree to a certain extent with this because in person and virtual visits should not be considered equal. However, in remote locations like rural or prison areas, some regulations could be made to make sure physicians are compensated equally for virtual visits.
Perspective from a Student Doctor
Shivani Kamal
Some of the changes that I have seen in the medical field due to COVID center around telehealth and tele-medicine. I see both positive and negative aspects toward this.
Positive: Transitioning to virtual visits for patients can help non-covid patients obtain refills for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol...these patients do not have to risk exposing themselves to the virus by going out to the office just for a follow visit where a physical exam or blood work is not needed. IN addition, I hope that the transition into virtual visits becomes more mainstream and accessible ONLY in more vulnerable areas such as rural areas and prisons (where it is hard to find access to medical care).
Negative: Practicing medicine over a virtual visit is HARD. I cannot read the patient's body language, I cannot do a physical exam, I cannot clearly see the skin rash over a poor quality video, I cannot put my hands on a patient and show them I am really examining them for reassurance. IN addition, (more admin and political side) many physicians are not getting paid the same amount for virtual visits as for in person. That being said, I agree to a certain extent with this because in person and virtual visits should not be considered equal. However, in remote locations like rural or prison areas, some regulations could be made to make sure physicians are compensated equally for virtual visits.
Perspective from a Student Doctor
Shivani Kamal
Thanks for the answer! It's an interesting perspective!
Iqra
Updated
Estelle’s Answer
Great answers from Dan and Shivani! As a gynecologist, I actually appreciate fewer people in my waiting room. The office is quieter, and patients feel more comfortable. People are not wandering back into the exam area looking for public restrooms, for example. I understand having family members in the room for important conversations and decisions, but I like the more private atmosphere that has been created. I am planning to continue to ask visitors to avoid our waiting room even after restrictions are lifted. As far as masks, they are so important. My daughter is an optometrist, and I am going to encourage her to continue to wear a mask while practicing her craft.
That's awesome! It really is important that patients feel comfortable with their caregivers so I'm glad that there's a some sort of positive effect that came out of this.
Iqra
Updated
Maryann’s Answer
Since we have learn more about the transmission of covid 19, health care professional are using the appropriate PPE need it for protection. The use of telehealth has been used to broad up the scope and reach more people in areas that was not used before.
I hope this helps.
I hope this helps.
Thank you!
Iqra
Updated
Dan’s Answer
The separation of political-nonsense and science. Healthcare and the science behind it should be pure without any attachment towards humanity's complex social interactions.
Yes!!! I don't like how so many things turn political especially when it's just basic science. (masks!!)
Iqra
Updated
Ateeb’s Answer
Within the bounds of GDPR and compliance, there needs to be a drive towards greater collaboration via pseudonymised medical records to create data lakes that can analysed with AI / ML algorithms. The traditional scientific method (https://cdn.sciencebuddies.org/Files/5084/7/2013-updated_scientific-method-steps_v6_noheader.png) needs to be turned on its head.
It took me a sec to comprehend what you were saying but thank you!
Iqra
Updated
Chris’s Answer
I would like to see optimized appointment capabilities for families or multi-person households. That is, if my kids all have the same pediatrician, it would be nice to have options to schedule them in a chunks vs. having to schedule them individually and hope that we can get them "close."
That would minimize the amount of trips a family has to make to the hospital. We could all sit in the waiting room together, be triaged together, etc.
That would minimize the amount of trips a family has to make to the hospital. We could all sit in the waiting room together, be triaged together, etc.