BUS FPX 3026 Assessment 8 Future Trends and Innovations BUS-FPX3026 Foundations and Future of Health Care Delivery Management Introduction to Telemedicine

Telemedicine refers to the remote delivery of healthcare services, including assessments, consultations, and follow-up appointments, through telecommunication technologies. It enables healthcare providers to assess, diagnose, and treat patients without the need for in-person visits. There are three primary forms of telemedicine:

1. Interactive Medicine: This involves real-time communication between providers and patients through video calls.
2. Store and Forward: This method allows providers to share patient information with specialists or other providers in different locations.
3. Remote Patient Monitoring: In this form, providers monitor patients in their homes using medical devices that collect and transmit data.

Impact of Telemedicine on Hospital Settings

Telemedicine has a significant impact on hospital settings by reducing costs, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing the overall quality of care. Its benefits include:

• Reduced hospital stays and readmission rates.
• Decreased inpatient care costs.
• Improved access to specialty services and interdisciplinary care.
• Enhanced care coordination, especially for patients with mobility issues.
• Reduced emergency room visits and preventable hospitalizations.
• Increased focus on acute and intensive care units.

Furthermore, telemedicine improves access for patients with limited mobility and reduces the need for patient transport, contributing to better overall care management.

Impact of Telemedicine and Chatbots on the Role of Healthcare Managers

The integration of telemedicine and chatbots in healthcare management has altered the role of healthcare managers, who now face the need to champion policy reforms and address challenges related to reimbursement policies, regulatory frameworks, and technological limitations. Healthcare managers also need to address resistance from various stakeholders, including staff, patients, providers, and executives.

The implementation of telemedicine and chatbots reduces the impact of physician and nursing shortages, improves access to continuing education for rural clinicians, and enhances organizational productivity. Additionally, early identification of chronic diseases and prompt treatment provision leads to reduced mortality rates and improved inpatient outcomes.

Telemedicine Benefits and Challenges in Table Format

References

American Well. (2018). American Well: Telemedicine Technology Solutions. Retrieved from https://www.americanwell.com/

HealthIT. (2018). What is telehealth? How is telehealth different from telemedicine? | HealthIT.gov. Retrieved from https://www.healthit.gov/faq/what-telehealth-howtelehealth-different-telemedicine