SEVEN benefits of telemedicine for pediatric patients
1. Benefits for Parents
Telemedicine’s great appeal lies in its ability to overcome the barriers of distance and time to make access to care more cost effective and convenient. In a pediatric setting, this innovative approach has benefits for parents and children alike. Time away from work is minimized, transportation costs are eliminated, and long term health management can be accomplished without significant disruption of daily living.
2. Reduced exposure to other ill patients
Every time a child visits the paediatrician they risk exposure to illnesses suffered by other patients. While this can’t always be avoided, children who are seen remotely are prevented from sharing germs. By using video-based telemedicine, physicians can diagnose and triage patients remotely without putting the rest of the office at risk.
3. Exams for routine conditions like colds and other viruses
One of a pediatrician’s most important responsibilities is reassuring parents and providing practical advice when a child is suffering from a cold or other common ailment. A video visit allows the doctor to assess the child remotely, often avoiding an unnecessary trip to the office or urgent care clinic.
4. Performing Developmental checks and routine health and wellness checks
The care of the young child and adolescent by the paediatrician, focuses on adequate development and monitoring of specific milestones. The video consultation is one of the easiest ways to achieve this in the absence of an in- office visit.
5. Medication management
Children who require medicines that must be closely monitored, like those for diabetes or asthma. Telemedicine technology enables the careful supervision of these patients without the need to come into the office for every visit.
6. Mental health treatment or counselling
Evidence suggests that patients are highly satisfied with counseling delivered via telemedicine. This is true also for children. Diagnoses and treatment can accurately be performed from anywhere, making care more convenient for caregivers and less upsetting for patients.
7. Weight management, dietary management and treatment
Telemedicine is perfectly suited for lifestyle coaching and monitoring of patients on treatment plans for weight management or dietary concerns. Because it allows for minimal disruption, parents can more easily engage in frequent check-ins to ensure success.