The word Chronic is not new to the medical sector. We would have heard doctors using this term quite frequently called Chronic Disease or Chronic ailment. In this blog, we focus on how technology has played a significant role in helping us tackle chronic diseases. But before that, let us a briefly understand what chronic diseases are all about.
What are Chronic Diseases?
Chronic Diseases are those which continue to last for a long time and require continuous monitoring and medications. These diseases last for a period of more than one year/lifelong and sometimes tend to get worse over a period of time. Some of the commonly heard of chronic diseases include cancer, heart diseases, stroke, diabetes and arthritis. Sometimes, respiratory diseases, problems related to the eyes and ears can also prolong and listed as chronic ailments.
What causes Chronic Diseases?
The most common causes of Chronic Diseases are,
- Unhealthy diet
- Lack of Physical
- Extensive use of tobacco
- Blood Pressure
- Obesity
- Excessive use of Alcohol.
- Hereditary
How TeleHealth is changing Chronic Disease Management?
Managing Chronic Diseases have always been challenging for medical experts. However, TeleHealth has brought in the much needed comfort to both patients and doctors alike. With remote patient monitoring possible through TeleHealth, doctors can give the patients their medical opinion based on the symptoms presented by the patient. Doctors can also analyse medical test reports from patients and explain their diagnosis to the patients and their family so that the next step towards beginning treatment will not be delayed. There are some more advantages with TeleHealth as explained below.
- Increased Access to Specialized Care
When it comes to managing chronic diseases in rural areas where there is a lack of adequate facilities, TeleHealth can be the best way forward. Now, doctors and specialists can communicate with the patient, analyse their medical history and give them the best possible treatment. Patients with a chronic health conditions find it difficult to travel long distances due to inadequate travel facilities. The introduction of Telemedicine has increased the patient’s access to specialized care, while reducing the cost of care by lowering or even eliminating travel expenses. Let’s take a closer look.
- Monitor Patient Lifestyle Changes
Usually, patients with chronic ailments may have to adapt to lifestyle modifications. This may include changes in their diet, quitting smoking and alcohol as well as having a regular fitness routine. With TeleHealth offering remote patient health monitoring facilities, doctors can take timely decisions with respect to the way forward for treatment.
- Manage any new Symptoms in Real-Time
Sometimes, patients undergoing treatment for an existing chronic ailment might come across some new symptoms. Telemedicine can reduce all the anxious moments which the patient might face due to the new symptom by quickly consulting with their care provider about the new symptom as it appears in real-time. The doctor will then either recommend a change in treatment or urge them to visit a local emergency room if the condition is serious.
- Reduce Hospital Readmissions
Patients with chronic illnesses like a heart disease or cancer might need frequent hospitalizations when they counter variations in health. But when doctors and specialists can remotely monitor a patient’s condition, they can help the patient manage their treatment regime, reducing their chances of being readmitted to the hospital.
Keep in Mind
Telemedicine can improve chronic disease management as well as reduce the chances of a lapse in treatment and hospital readmission rates. To learn more about of TeleHealth, please feel free to contact Apollo TeleHealth, which has been successfully helping in patients manage chronic diseases with their expertise and experience. Email to: connect@apollotelehealth.com
