Telemedicine Reduces Patient Waiting in Hospital – Saudia
Reducing patient waiting time in hospitals through telemedicine
One of the most notable ways to optimize and improve patient waiting time in hospitals, especially in follow-up consultations, is through the use of telemedicine. Telemedicine has been implemented successfully in various countries around the world to reduce costs and improve patient access to qualified specialists. It has also been used as a way to improve health systems and deliver high-quality healthcare. Telemedicine can be used for a number of clinical purposes including consulting with specialists, diagnostic tests, or follow-up consultations with patients who live far away from medical facilities. Telemedicine has also been shown to have positive impacts on health care services, both accessibility and quality. When used as a regular process, patients are able to receive quick medical consultation and follow-up of their medical conditions.
Telemedicine is not a revolutionary innovation in the field of medicine but it is an important one. It can be considered a new opportunity that allows clinicians to provide patient care in a more efficient way, while reducing cost and the number of missed appointments. Most importantly, it can improve overall patient experience. However, it is important to realize that telemedicine is not a substitute for face-to-face communication. It can be used as an effective supplement in some circumstances.
Telemedicine is not only cost-effective but also convenient and high quality. Where telemedicine has been applied the results have demonstrated a significant improvement in the quality of healthcare services. That improvement has been demonstrated by faster and more accurate diagnoses, reduced patient waiting times, increased patient satisfaction and potentially increased clinical outcomes such as reduced mortality rates.
Saudi Arabia’s telemedicine adoption
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has acknowledged the significance of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Over the years, the nation has achieved significant strides in several ICT domains, including connection and access, sector reforms, national IT programs, and e-services.
Prior to implementing telemedicine, readiness must be evaluated to guarantee the success of implementing telemedicine services within current health systems. Evaluating the preparedness of a healthcare innovation before to its introduction may lessen the probability of failure after its implementation. For the long-term effectiveness of telemedicine programs and services, organizational preparedness is essential. The preparedness for telemedicine is a malleable term connected to planning and the workplace. This idea is expressed in an individual’s views, attitudes, and intentions about the amount to which change is required, as well as their ability to effectively implement change within an organization. Findings reveal that e-health adoption among private hospital stakeholders is superficial due to their lack of knowledge about e-health initiatives. This perspective is influenced by the apparent and enduring digital divide. To augment the insufficient understanding of e-health, information literacy activities such as information distribution, awareness campaigns, and training programs should be done.
source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/telemedicine-reduces-patient-waiting-hospital-saudia-altaji/
