Introduction A few decades back, no one could imagine gaining a physician's advice from the comfort of their homes. Technological advanc...
Introduction
A few decades back, no one could imagine gaining a physician's advice from the comfort of their homes. Technological advancement has reached an unprecedented level that now you can visit a doctor virtually. Thanks to telemedicine and telehealth. Now, mental health conditions can also be treated right away using telemedicine. So, book your telemedicine appointment in royal oak and get treated now.
This blog will guide you through the infusion of technology and medicine, telemedicine benefits, types of telemedicine, and the guide to best practices for delivering mental health.
Infusion of Technology and Healthcare
Yes, it is a reality that you can book a physician’s appointment by sitting at home. The infusion of technology and medicine has made it a possibility.
Telemedicine is an optimization of the telecommunication service to connect physicians with patients, especially in remote areas. Now, you can book online appointments and meet your healthcare physician via video conferencing, phone calls, telephone, etc.
WHO has termed telemedicine as "Healing from a distance." Telemedicine is similar to visiting a physician, except you do not physically meet them. You can discuss your symptoms, receive a medical diagnosis, and refill the medication online. The physician can also prescribe a diagnostic test.
Why is Mental Health so Important?
A healthy mind contributes to overall well-being and upgrades the quality of life. Mental health is of paramount importance as it affects every aspect of an individual's life. It plays a prime role in one's emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
When your mind is tangled, nothing seems clear. So, clear up your mind first to deal with everyday situations. Poor mental health can lead to various issues, including anxiety, depression, and miscommunication, affecting an individual's daily life and relationships. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. For this purpose, you can visit your physician online and get mental health therapy.
What are the Benefits of Telemedicine in Mental Health?
Mental health is becoming a global concern. Many areas do not have medical services. So, should they be deprived of getting treated for mental health conditions? Definitely not. They have the right to therapy as everyone else. Telemedicine has reduced this gap and enabled people in remote areas to gain access to physicians’ advice using simple technology. With a simple internet connection, a mobile phone with a camera, a laptop, or a tablet, anyone can get their mental health treated right away.
It is a significant contribution of telemedicine in the healthcare industry. Other fruitful benefits include:
- It helps to overcome the shortage of mental health professionals.
- Improves access to patients who have transportation, recognition, movement issues, etc.
- It is a convenient method for mental health professionals to target, monitor, and treat the patients suffering from mental health conditions.
- It is a game changer to maintain the level of healthcare during pandemic situations like that of Covid -19.
- Telemedicine is cost-effective, as it eliminates the need for expensive in-person visits.
- It ensures privacy and confidentiality, which is crucial in mental health care.
- Telemedicine reduces the stigma associated with mental health by making it easier for individuals to access care discreetly.
Is Telehealth a Better Fit For Mental Health Professionals?
The answer is Yes. Mental health therapy does not require a physical examination. It indicates that the sessions with the physician can be held virtually. The advancement of technology has made telehealth a continuously growing field. The potential of apps and the ease of linking our phones and computers have made mental health services accessible to anyone, regardless of location. It is now the right moment to harness technology's capabilities to aid society and reduce the disparity between individuals with mental health conditions and the availability of treatment.
What are the Types of Telemedicine Used in Mental Health
Mental health care makes use of a variety of telemedicine techniques. The most widely recognized types include videoconferencing, calls, text informing, and mobile applications.
- Utilizing video technology, patients and mental health professionals can communicate with one another through videoconferencing.
- Calls are likewise a typical method of telemedicine, where mental well-being experts give their services via telephone.
- Linking with mental health professionals via text messaging; many messaging apps are available.
- Finally, mobile applications offer various mental health services, including self-help tools, mood tracking, and online therapy.
How Much is Telemedicine Effective for Mental Health?
Telemedicine occupies a significant position in treating mental health. Telemedicine has proven to be an effective tool for mental health treatment. Research has shown that telemedicine interventions can be as effective as in-person therapy for various mental health conditions.
Mental health is a rising issue globally. Many people feel reluctant to see a doctor as they feel ashamed or have other problems. Telemedicine is an effective tool for these people who can communicate with healthcare professionals from their homes. It can significantly reduce the mental health issues facing the world currently.
Studies show that telemedicine is a cost-effective mode of gaining access to healthcare. It is effective especially in areas where such services and costs are prohibitive. Telemedicine can facilitate mental health care using technology and increase the interaction of patients with physicians.
A survey result from many states showed that around 80% of Americans use the Internet to know about mental health. They use them to search for mental health-related issues, telemedicine, telehealth, etc. Telemental health care provides various features such as imaging, synchronous and asynchronous psychotherapy, and consultation to clinicians in multiple environments.
In short, telemedicine is an effective tool to cater to mental health conditions monitoring and control. It is cost-effective, especially for people living in remote areas. It has engraved its roots deep into mental health treatment. The increasing use of telemedicine over the years for mental health demonstrates this fact. According to statistics, telemedicine for mental health increased from 38% in 2019 to 68.7% in 2020.
Best Practices for Delivering Mental Health via Telemedicine
Several points need consideration to ensure the best practices for telemedicine:
- Firstly, mental health professionals should be qualified and trained in delivering the service. They should have a license to offer telemedicine services.
- Secondly, there should be a precise and comprehensive assessment and treatment plan. First assess the patient’s mental state, and develop an effective treatment plan.
- Thirdly, mental health professionals should communicate effectively with patients to ensure the effective delivery of services.
- Lastly, respect the ethical considerations. Mental health professionals should secure the patient's privacy and confidentiality.
