Leveraging Patient Views for Optimal Remote Care
摘要
Remote consultations are an inevitability at present times. Despite initial reservations, patients tend to appreciate the convenience of being treated from home, especially as it overcomes the logistical burdens linked to conventional visits to the doctor and enhances personalization of care. However, remote care effectiveness and accessibility can be hindered by a number of barriers including individual concerns and technical limitations. Patients’ perceptions on remote care are crucial for the success of the approach. This has been shown to be determined by personal experiences, expectations, and the unique health challenges they are suffering. Thus, this chapter is focused on discussing patient perspectives about remote care, along with strategies for effective patient-centered remote care delivery. Throughout this chapter, you will find information on how health providers can align their approach with patient expectations, improve accessibility, and establish trust in telehealth services by leveraging insights provided by patients. This chapter also discusses how providers can mitigate concerns and foster empowerment of patients throughout the whole of their healthcare journey, namely by prioritizing effective communication, patient’s education, and privacy. Addressing patients’ worries about the absence of traditional physical examination and ensuring that remote consultations are suitable for those who are receiving them are some mandatory steps worth considering toward efficient care provision. Engaging in teamwork, interdisciplinary collaboration, and constant improvement of remote care practices are also not forgotten in the path toward achieving patient-centered care and equity in healthcare access and delivery.