While telehealth has been available for decades, when COVID-19 pandemic emerged, an unprecedented demand arose for the remote delivery of safe and reliable assessments and treatment recommendations via computers, smart phones, and tablets (i.e., virtual care).
But as the height of the COVID-19 crisis appears to wane, what can we expect for the future of the virtual visit?
Joseph C. Kvedar, MD, Chair of the Board of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) and Editor-in-chief of npj Digital Medicine, has been driving innovation and gaining acceptance for telehealth at the national level for nearly three decades. His expertise, insights and influence on advancing the adoption of telehealth and virtual care is helping to guide the ongoing transformation of health care delivery. He is also Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School.
Long before the internet, health and wellness trackers, apps, sensors or smartphones even existed Dr. Kvedar was creating a new model of health care delivery, moving care from the hospital or doctor’s office into the day-to-day lives of patients.
Dr. Kvedar, an internationally respected thought leader, author and convener, joined us to reflect on the impact of COVID-19 on telehealth, and share his perspective on the future of the virtual visit.
In addition, the CRICO Academic Medical Center Patient Safety Organization (AMC PSO), Patient Safety Guidance for the Virtual Visit: Managing Risk in a New Care Setting was introduced. It includes recommendations for (but not limited to):
- Organizational preparedness
- Pre and Post Visit Considerations
- Patient Consent and Special Considerations
- Measuring Quality and Safety