Will Virtual Doctor Consultations Become the Norm?

Call them what you wish, but would you believe that the millennials (or Generation Z) babies have come of age? Born in the heart of the age of technology, this generation barely knows or understands the frustrations of a dial-up internet connection, let alone a spin-dial telephone. A debatable advantage of living in such a technologically advanced age is that we have become accustomed to online conversations, so it’s only natural that virtual doctor consultations would become increasingly popular.

In fact, during the pandemic, most generations became accustomed to attending live, interactive work conferences or having conversations with friends and family on the internet. Everyone would have had at least one experience where a streaming platform was used to communicate. During this period, to avoid accidental infection, many individuals made use of virtual doctor consultations as the first port of call for medical advice.

The Creation of the Comfort Zone

Following the lockdowns, at face value, life appears to have returned to pre-pandemic normal. Some adults have returned to work, kids are back at school, and we are permitted to watch sports in stadiums again. However, what has remained is that many individuals are still working remotely in what is now referred to as “the new normal.” 

The benefits of technology have assisted thousands of South Africans to earn their livings from home. This has naturally evolved into a technological comfort zone for many people. Speaking with a virtual doctor online has become no different than having a video conversation with their bosses, colleagues or friends and family. 

An interesting result of the new normal is that people seem to be busier than ever. Chores that were previously outsourced while being employed full-time have now become domestic duties that need to be fitted around work schedules. Work schedules need to be accommodated around a plethora of other responsibilities and the average professional simply does not have the time for physical, in-person appointments for minor ailments. 

Not All Conditions Can be Treated Online, But Some Can

Virtual doctor consultations would never replace in-person visits to the general practitioner altogether. For more serious ailments, there is simply no other choice. However, many conditions could be diagnosed and treated via a short, online visit with a professional medical advisor. 

Conditions that may be diagnosed, treated or medicated online, include:

1.    Temperatures and fevers

2.    Dermatological conditions

3.    Measles and chicken pox

4.    Colds, sniffles and influenza

5.    General aches and pains that have become concerning

6.    Sprains and pulled muscles

7.    Infections such as pink eye, sties and throat strep

8.    Panic attacks, stress, depression and anxiety

Sufferers of ongoing chronic illnesses may also receive assistance online. Many of these patients have already been diagnosed and the necessary home checks and medical equipment have already been procured for ongoing observations. 

Managing these conditions regularly through virtual doctor consultations saves the discomfort of these individuals having to travel to and from the relevant practice. Prescription renewals and additional medication may also be prescribed online.

Four chronic illnesses that may be treated online, include: 

1.    Heart disease or angina

2.    High blood pressure

3.    Diabetes

4.    Arthritis

How to Prepare for Virtual Medical Appointments

Believe it or not, there is still a surviving generation that expects their family GP to visit them in person, in the comfort of their home. As with today’s generation becoming accustomed to receiving online medical guidance, this practice was the accepted norm in pre-1980s households. 

Back then, it was very much as it is today. There was a process that needed to be followed before the GP arrived. For example, the area of the house where they would pass through needed to be clean and respectable. The children needed to be quiet and the patient would have to be allowed some privacy once the doctor arrived.

Today, the virtual doctor still makes an appearance in the home, albeit electronically, and certain protocols still need to be followed to allow for a professional experience. Here are a few guidelines to follow before your general practitioner meets you online:

  

1.    Be prepared well before the scheduled time. Medical professionals may be running behind, so you might have to wait, but rather be early than late. If you have medication, have them at hand and be ready to answer basic questions about your current condition. Much like an in-person appointment, you may have to supply a brief medical history. 

2.    Make sure to have a notepad and pen ready. You may need to make notes to refer back to should you have questions. If you are well enough, position your camera in a fixed position showing a full face, neck, shoulders and chest. This will assist the medical practitioner in making the first assessments.

3.    Try to ensure that the room is well-lit. Try to face the light to prevent shadows and clean the camera lens. A torch or pen light may be handy if you wish to highlight areas of your body, or take photos of affected areas in the event the GP needs more detail.

4.    As in the old days, ensure you have privacy as you may have to provide sensitive information. Keep pets or children out of earshot and be accompanied by someone you trust if you require assistance or support. 

At Intercare’s health facilities, we understand the modern lifestyle. While we know that online GP appointments will never replace in-person visitations, there is certainly a place for them to become the norm. 

Persons in rural areas or living far from professional healthcare facilities may not be able to travel to in-person appointments. The modern, new-normal young professional, parent or entrepreneur simply does not have the time to break away from their busy schedules for minor medical conditions and they are accustomed to meeting online. Elderly persons with physical disabilities and those with chronic diseases may not feel up to travelling far for routine medical treatment. 

It is for these reasons that we offer the versatile alternative of live, interactive virtual doctor consultations. We also understand that continuity of care is important. Because of our quality facility network, we are one of the few providers that offer additional in-person follow-up consultations with the original doctor you virtually consulted with. Consider becoming part of the Intercare community, as we have so much more to offer than an online experience. Intercare – Leaders in Health

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