The Role of Telemedicine in Post-Accident Rehabilitation
For some, post-accident rehabilitation can be a long road, and tough to keep up if it requires regular trips to a specialized center. In recent years the role of telemedicine has become pivotal in Tennessee in ensuring positive outcomes for those affected by a car wreck.
Many of us use cell phones and home computer technology to access banking, shopping, and utility providers. With regular use of online booking systems for medical services, telemedicine leverages the benefits of technology.
US health professionals expect telemedicine to grow, improving patient satisfaction by delivering value, and access to medical services.
The Tools of Telemedicine
Access to in-person services can be difficult for patients with limited mobility, who are not well served by public transport, especially in Tennessee where services are concentrated in the bid cities.
The use of free Apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, and Zoom, has made video-calling commonplace.
The uptake of these services rose significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic when it was one of the only ways to see a medical practitioner face-to-face.
Telemedicine can counter this by bringing the healthcare professional into the home.
A Personal Approach
Strong relationships between practitioner and patient are important in maintaining positive outcomes during recovery and rehabilitation.
A key issue with post-accident rehabilitation is the possible non-compliance of a patient with any prescribed activities or exercises designed to improve physical function.
Healthcare monitoring, through telemedicine, can be a powerful tool to aid the return of a patient to a previous baseline of health.
Regular face-to-face contact via a cell phone or computer monitor screen serves as a major incentive that can aid patient recovery.
Taking Control of Treatment
Transport issues, the cost of running a vehicle, or taking a taxi or bus can all lead to a feeling of disempowerment for vulnerable patients.
Those car wreck survivors who are in post-accident rehabilitation may also be suffering from complex back and spine injuries, PTSD, or other issues, that make travel painful or difficult.
Leveraging the communication technology at our fingertips can put scheduling consultations, catch-up meetings, and assessments, within the power of the patient.
Allowing a person in recovery to manage and own their journey back to health is another benefit of the expanding role of telemedicine.
Telemedicine and Monitoring Recovery
Telemedicine can provide a pivotal role in helping a patient maintain their progress. In the case of whiplash injury, rest and gentle exercise is usually the only way to recover full flexibility and freedom from neck tension headaches.
As the range and sensitivities of monitoring apps improve, so the role of telemedicine will expand. Patients are already able to use wearable technology that monitors everything from heart rate to blood sugar levels.
Time Efficiencies
Visiting a healthcare practitioner, such as a physiotherapist, can be time-consuming. A twenty-minute appointment may eat up an hour of travel on either side, whereas a teleconsultation can be taken at home.
Smartphone technology has assisted medical practitioners in reducing the number of missed appointments by delivering automatic reminders to patients as bookings approach. The system can reduce cancellations and increase attendance, saving clinicians from wasted time.
When to Use Telemedicine
The obvious benefit of engaging with medical professionals using telemedicine following a car wreck is the possibility that a patient is less mobile.
Without access to a vehicle, public transport, or taxi services a patient can be left high and dry at the very beginning of their recovery journey.
If you are involved in an accident and need to make a car wreck claim, it’s best to do so as soon as you can.
Data Protection
Since 1996 your personal medical data has been protected by federal legislation. The HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Protection Act) ensures that healthcare providers cannot share medical information without a patient’s written permission.
Doctors, dentists, psychologists, and nursing professionals must comply as do insurance companies and those that administer Government healthcare plans. Schools and employers are not subject to HIPPA, even though they may provide health monitoring.
It may be useful to note that commercial Apps used to monitor eating, sleeping, or exercise habits, are not subject to HIPPA.
Managing the Limits of Telemedicine
There are limits to the effectiveness of telemedicine in post-accident rehabilitation.
It is unlikely to be set in place as the sole route to recovery for any patient. It is effective as part of an overall care strategy including in-person consultations and assessments where possible.
Healthcare providers understand that patients in their care can present with a unique set of circumstances that often require a tailored journey back to health.
Remote assessment of physical issues such as posture, gait, damage to rotator cuffs, and sitting or standing are notoriously unsatisfactory to deal with by video link. In these cases, an initial in-person assessment is unavoidable.
