Can you trust telemedicine platforms? Of course you can.
Telemedicine is all around us. Can you trust this marvel of modern medicine and get medical advice without leaving your house?
In the article about the history of remote treatment, we showed that telemedicine is not a modern invention. However, even after the rapid rise during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is still doubt about whether the advice of a doctor you don't see in person in their office can be trusted.
The answer is YES. Telemedicine can indeed be trusted. The key is to choose the right platform where certified and experienced doctors work.
Causes of distrust in telemedicine
Patients are used to being in close contact with their doctor. Health issues are quite private matters. Telemedicine reduces this connection between the doctor and the patient.
Data privacy protection is becoming an increasingly significant problem. Cybercriminals can access confidential and private patient data sent over the internet.
Some patients doubt the quality of healthcare they can receive online. The most common question is whether a doctor can diagnose accurately without an in-person meeting.
Not everyone is equally skilled in using modern technologies or familiar with them. Slow and unstable internet connections, telehealth applications not fully adapted to all users, or other technical problems can reduce trust in telemedicine.
Language and culture can be obstacles to using telemedicine platforms. If the doctor does not speak the patient's language well or is not sufficiently familiar with the cultural specifics of the patient's area, this can reduce trust.
Telemedicine platforms are secure
Regarding the protection of private patient data, in Europe, it is protected by GDPR. Anyone who wants to work in the healthcare system must meet certain data protection standards. Also, telemedicine applications and generally online health systems are usually robustly protected against criminal intrusions or accidental data releases.
Patients can also protect themselves by hiding their data using methods such as privacy-friendly browsers, proxy servers, or VPN encryption.
Healthcare, including telemedicine, should not be practiced by anyone without the necessary education. This means that the doctor making the diagnosis must have a medical degree. Choosing a verified telemedicine platform is always important to avoid rare cases of manipulation. Of course, you can always check your doctor through the relevant institutions.
In an article on LinkedIn, Harvard doctor Dr. Joseph Kvedar confirms that many studies have shown no difference in the accuracy of face-to-face diagnoses or via telemedicine platforms. Of course, if such diagnostics are possible remotely.
The popularity of telemedicine has drastically increased since 2020. No major negative trends have been recorded since then. On the contrary, with the increase in interest, legal regulation and oversight have become stricter.
What do studies show?
A study on telemedicine satisfaction conducted in 2021 provided the following data. Out of 368 respondents, over 80% confirmed that they were very satisfied or satisfied with the experience of remote treatment.
How can we increase trust in telemedicine?
Integrating a database of doctors into the telemedicine platform or website would greatly increase patient trust. This way, they could check the expertise and identity of the doctors they are communicating with in one place.
Remote consultations are somewhat different from those in the office. Therefore, educating doctors and medical staff on how to provide them is essential.
Building strong communication between the patient and the service provider can significantly help increase trust. Effective communication and follow-up procedures ensure the continuation of treatment and further care for the patient.
Continuous improvement of technology and user experience makes it easier for more patients to navigate. Technical support is crucial here, as it can help patients navigate or resolve technical problems as quickly as possible.
Doctors are the most important part of telemedicine
The doctor communicates with the patient, makes the diagnosis, and determines the therapy. They directly affect the patient's health and satisfaction with the service. Therefore, it is very important how the doctor presents themselves during consultations.
The doctor should convey a sense of professionalism and genuine care for the patient. It is important that the patient feels listened to, which means maintaining eye contact and occasionally repeating a key phrase the patient said to ensure they have been understood correctly. Instead of technical terms, the doctor should use language that the patient understands.
The part of the environment visible on the patient's screen is particularly important. A patient will not trust a doctor who responds from a car, restaurant, or beach. They expect a clean and tidy office, a white coat, and perhaps a diploma on the wall.
Professionalism and empathy
Telemedicine follows the same rules for gaining trust as traditional forms of treatment. However, it is even more important to adhere to these rules in telemedicine since it involves new and unfamiliar technology for many people.
Adhering to agreed-upon appointments ensures the practicality that attracts patients to telemedicine. Professionalism and empathy create trust in the doctor. Two-way communication and encouraging the patient to be proactive are even simpler via telemedicine.
On the other hand, the platform must be stable and ensure uninterrupted communication. Regular updates and problem-solving also greatly contribute to patient trust. Adding new features to the platform and improving the user experience ensures that patients will continue using it.