The Use of Medical Information Found Online and Current Barriers Facing Telehealth or Telemedicine
In the contemporary era of technological advancement, the internet has assumed a paramount role as an indispensable tool for procuring medical knowledge and information. In the contemporary era, individuals possess the capacity to explore an extensive array of health-related subjects, encompassing symptoms, treatments, medications, and preventative measures. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the apprehensions surrounding the dependability and precision of medical information disseminated online. In addition, Telehealth or telemedicine encounters numerous obstacles that impede its extensive acceptance. This essay delves into the utilization of medical information from online sources and meticulously examines the obstacles impeding the widespread adoption of Telehealth.
Online Medical Information: Reliability and Challenges
The vast expanse of the internet offers abundant health-related knowledge, allowing individuals to enhance their understanding of their well-being and make informed choices. Credible sources, such as governmental health agencies, esteemed medical organizations, and reputable healthcare institutions, are pivotal in propagating precise and reliable information. As exemplified by the National Institute on Aging (2022), a paramount emphasis exists on the significance of procuring dependable health-related knowledge via reputable online platforms.
Nevertheless, the bottom line resides in differentiating reliable sources from the vast sea of disinformation. User-generated content, in the form of online forums and social media platforms, can disseminate inaccurate and biased information, thereby leading individuals astray in their health-related decision-making processes. This highlights the imperative for individuals to possess a profound understanding of health-related concepts and the cognitive ability to discern and assess the veracity and reliability of digital information.
Barriers Facing Telehealth
The COVID-19 pandemic has expedited the widespread acceptance of Telehealth, which involves delivering healthcare services remotely via digital communication platforms. However, various obstacles impede its smooth implementation and broad effectiveness. The digital divide poses a notable challenge regarding unequal access to technology and the internet. This division significantly impacts marginalized communities, worsening current health inequalities and hindering the fair availability of telehealth services (Beusekom, 2020; Weigel & Ramaswamy, 2020). Furthermore, the problem of technological literacy presents a challenge, especially for older individuals or those with limited experience using digital platforms. The complexity of telehealth interfaces can hinder individuals from effectively utilizing remote healthcare solutions.
Subsequently, privacy and security concerns are significant, as transmitting sensitive medical data digitally raises fears of data breaches and privacy violations, discouraging potential users from adopting telehealth services. The intricate realm of licensing and regulations presents an additional obstacle. Telehealth services can create challenges when it comes to meeting licensing and regulatory requirements across different states and countries, which can disrupt the delivery of care (Alarabyat et al., 2023; Gajarawala & Pelkowski, 2020; Zhang et al., 2020). Financial considerations are also relevant. Inconsistent reimbursement policies from insurers create uncertainty for healthcare providers, deterring their adoption of telehealth services and thereby restricting patient access.
Furthermore, Telehealth, while convenient, encounters diagnostic constraints. Certain medical conditions require in-person examinations and tests for accurate diagnosis, which prevents Telehealth from entirely replacing traditional face-to-face care (Alarabyat et al., 2023; Gajarawala & Pelkowski, 2020; Zhang et al., 2020). Establishing a solid doctor-patient relationship is vital for adequate healthcare. The lack of physical interaction in Telehealth may impede the formation of a strong connection, potentially impacting the quality of care.
Overall, online medical information is now valuable for those seeking health-related knowledge. However, the challenge lies in distinguishing reliable sources from misinformation. Additionally, Telehealth, despite its potential to enhance healthcare accessibility, encounters various obstacles that hinder its extensive implementation. To fully realize the potential of Telehealth, we must address various factors such as the digital divide, technological literacy, privacy concerns, regulatory challenges, reimbursement issues, diagnostic limitations, and impacts on the doctor-patient relationship. Given the ongoing advancements in technology and healthcare systems, it is crucial to tackle these obstacles to guarantee fair and equal access to high-quality healthcare services.
References
Alarabyat, I. A., Al-Nsair, N., Alrimawi, I., Al-Yateem, N., Shudifat, R. M., & Saifan, A. R. (2023). Perceived barriers to effective use of Telehealth in managing the care of patients with cardiovascular diseases: a qualitative study exploring healthcare professionals’ views in Jordan. BMC Health Services Research, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-09368-w
Beusekom , M. V. (2020, May 22). COVID-19 reveals telehealth barriers, solutions | CIDRAP. Www.cidrap.umn.edu. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/covid-19-reveals-telehealth-barriers-solutions
Gajarawala, S., & Pelkowski, J. (2020). Telehealth benefits and barriers. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 17(2), 218–221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.09.013
National Institute on Aging. (2023, January 12). How To Find Reliable Health Information Online. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/how-find-reliable-health-information-online
Weigel, G., & Ramaswamy, A. (2020, May 11). Opportunities and barriers for telemedicine in the U.S. during the COVID-19 emergency and beyond. Kaiser Family Foundation. https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/issue-brief/opportunities-and-barriers-for-telemedicine-in-the-u-s-during-the-covid-19-emergency-and-beyond/
Zhang, T., Mosier, J., & Subbian, V. (2020). Identifying Barriers and Opportunities for Telehealth Implementation Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic Using a Human Factors Approach: A Leap into the Future of Healthcare Delivery? (Preprint). JMIR Human Factors, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.2196/24860
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Topic: After conducting independent research using at least three sources not used in the class, write an essay that examines the use of medical information found online and current barriers facing telehealth or telemedicine.
This assignment will be an essay written in APA format (see below). The essay should be no less than 500 words on the topic (s) noted below.
The title page and bibliography do not count towards the word count.
Complete the assignment in a Word document using APA formatting with your last name as part of the file name. Omit the abstract and outline. A Word APA template and APA sample paper are provided for reference.
The Use of Medical Information Found Online and Current Barriers Facing Telehealth or Telemedicine
References:
Opportunities and Barriers for Telemedicine in the U.S. During the COVID-19 Emergency and Beyond. (2021, March 17). KFF. https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/issue-brief/opportunities-and-barriers-for-telemedicine-in-the-u-s-during-the-covid-19-emergency-and-beyond/
COVID-19 reveals telehealth barriers and solutions. (2020, May 22). CIDRAP. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/covid-19-reveals-telehealth-barriers-solutions
How To Find Reliable Health Information Online. (n.d.). National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/how-find-reliable-health-information-online