If there is one thing we all know, it is that the COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed our daily lives, especially when it comes to healthcare. It is already clear that, in this new normality, telemedicine will become a key complement and a fundamental pillar alongside traditional medical services.

TELEMEDICINE SERVICES

Telemedicine services consist of a medical assessment carried out through a video consultation between a specialist and a patient, once an appointment has been scheduled.

These telemedicine services and online consultations have become an essential tool for providing comprehensive healthcare.

Thanks to technology and artificial intelligence, we can say that telemedicine is here to stay.

For this reason, it is increasingly common to find medical assistance companies that have developed and adapted their service platforms to offer telemedicine solutions, such as SEMESUR Assistance, a specialised international medical assistance company.

ADVANTAGES OF TELEMEDICINE

The main advantages of telemedicine services can be summarised in the efficiency and immediacy of the service, as they can be accessed from anywhere in the world and at any time.

Patients can also request the opinion of several professionals. This is particularly common when seeking a second opinion or when they are not satisfied with a previous diagnosis.

Another important advantage is that telemedicine helps significantly reduce pressure on public healthcare services, such as the national health system, where long queues, waiting lists, and delays in medical attention are common.

In addition, telemedicine services reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission among patients by avoiding the need to visit medical centres or hospitals.

However, it is true that there are certain limitations for some conditions where a physical examination is required.

HOW TELEMEDICINE SERVICES WORK

Telemedicine brings healthcare services closer to people who have difficulties accessing medical care. Patients can receive assistance through written consultations via WhatsApp, specialised video conferencing platforms provided by medical assistance companies, or even through applications such as Skype, Google Meet, Zoom, or Hangouts.

During the pandemic, a large part of the population has had to rely on online medical care through telemedicine, without leaving home, both for minor conditions such as colds and for monitoring chronic illnesses.

The only essential requirement for telemedicine is having internet access and being connected through a desktop computer, laptop, or smartphone.

TELEMEDICINE DURING THE PANDEMIC

Aegon, a global life insurance and pensions provider, carried out a study analysing the health status, lifestyle, habits, and health-related behaviours of the Spanish population: the III Health and Lifestyle Study.

One in three respondents confirmed that they had requested telemedicine services during the pandemic. Among the users who benefited from telemedicine, 7 out of 10 rated the service as very useful.

During 2020, 73% of telemedicine services focused on consultations with general practitioners, while almost 15% were related to COVID-19 matters.

Likewise, a percentage of the population requested telemedicine services for very specific medical specialties, such as gastroenterology, paediatrics, gynaecology, dermatology, and even psychological support.