Telemedicine is not just a trend, but a necessary stage in the development of healthcare in the modern world. In conditions of huge distances, limited access to narrow specialists and overloaded polyclinics, especially in the regions, remote consultation is becoming a real way to increase the availability and efficiency of medical care.
Marat Farrakhov, a general practitioner and pulmonologist, told RuNews24.ru. According to the expert, telemedicine is a chance for doctors to conduct dynamic monitoring of patients with chronic diseases, adjust treatment without the need for a face-to-face visit, and share expert opinion with colleagues in other regions.
“It allows the patient to receive quality care faster and with less time and resources. The advantages of distance medicine are obvious: accessibility of medical care, patients from remote or sparsely populated regions get access to qualified specialists without the need to travel to another city,” the doctor noted.
Marat Farrakhov emphasized that telemedicine makes it possible not to waste time on traveling and waiting in queues. It is convenient for both patients and doctors. In addition, it gives an opportunity to promptly get a consultation, especially in case of exacerbations of chronic diseases or to clarify appointments.
“Patients with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases can regularly transmit data to the doctor and receive recommendations. Repeat appointments, deciphering tests, adjusting treatment - all this can be done remotely without loss of quality. In addition, remote consultations help to optimize the flow of patients and focus face-to-face care on those who really need it”, - emphasized the interlocutor.
The doctor also noted that during epidemics or outbreaks of infections, telemedicine reduces the risks of infection for patients and medical staff. And electronic consultations and documents are easily stored, making it easier to maintain a patient's medical history.
“Convenient communication formats motivate people to monitor their health more often and fulfill doctor's recommendations. Telemedicine also simplifies the organization of joint consultations between doctors of different specialties, even if they are located in different cities. However, there are also limitations, and they are not always obvious: there is no physical examination, and the doctor cannot palpate, auscultate, measure blood pressure or examine the skin, which limits diagnostic capabilities. In acute and emergency cases (heart attack, stroke, trauma, etc.), telemedicine cannot replace an ambulance call and face-to-face intervention. There is also limited diagnostic methods: it is impossible to perform ultrasound, ECG, blood tests or other laboratory/instrumental studies - the patient still needs to visit a medical institution,” commented Farrakhov.
The expert also added that low internet speed, lack of a camera, microphone or smartphone on the patient makes consultation impossible or ineffective. In addition, digital illiteracy is present in many Russians, especially among elderly patients: not everyone knows how to use apps, fill out forms or send data online.
“It is important to remember that according to the law, telemedicine in Russia does not always allow for first-time diagnosis - this requires a face-to-face appointment. Meanwhile, the transmission of medical information via the Internet requires secure communication channels, otherwise there is a risk of personal data leakage. also among the disadvantages of telemedicine is the limited contact “doctor-patient”: without live communication, trust may suffer, especially in complex or emotionally loaded situations (bad news, psychotherapy, etc.),” explains the doctor.
Marat Farakhov noted that with telemedicine there is a dependence on the patient's self-discipline - he himself must measure blood pressure, take photos, monitor symptoms and accurately transmit information to the doctor, but not everyone does it conscientiously. And also in some regions or social groups, people still lack access to modern technology and stable internet.
“With competent integration of telemedicine technologies into the healthcare system, we can talk about a real qualitative leap - especially in terms of prevention, monitoring and repeated consultations. The main thing is to perceive telemedicine not as a replacement, but as a supplement to the traditional medical approach,” summarized Marat Farrakhov, a general practitioner.