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Telemedicine becomes an important part of health care
Telemedicine will become an important part of health care in Germany in the future. Digital technologies are much better at mastering the medical challenges of an aging society. And in rural areas, telemedicine is becoming more and more important as a measure against the shortage of doctors.
Important building block in health care
Telemedicine will be an important building block in health care in the future. This is the conclusion of a representative study commissioned by digital association Bitkom. All of the 100 health care professionals surveyed expect the telemedicine exchange of a physician with other specialists to be important in ten years' time. In this case, for example, a family doctor can evaluate X-ray recordings by video telephony together with a specialist colleague. In addition, 98 percent of respondents believe that telemedicine-assisted surgery (telesurgery) will be important. In complicated cases, for example, a leading specialist from abroad can be called in.
Telemedicine on the rise. Image: Yeko Photo Studio - fotolia Less doctor visits needed
The telemedical routine monitoring of health status by measuring the vital parameters of a human will play a major role in the opinion of 97 percent of experts. At home, cardiac or diabetic patients electronically report values such as ECG, blood pressure, weight or blood sugar to a doctor. This gives the attending physician complete control even without constant office visits or hospitalization. According to a study by the University of Greifswald, telemedicine is a great help in heart failure. As the scientists reported last year, it could increase the likelihood of survival for cardiac patients.
Increase patient quality of life
According to the current Bitkom study, 70 percent of the experts think that the online consultation between doctor and patient becomes significant. Even now, some health insurance companies, such as the TK, offer patients a medical online consultation. This should not replace the doctor's visit, but complement. In addition, a few months ago the professional association of German dermatologists (BVDD) pointed out that a video consultation session with the dermatologist is being tested in a pilot project. This could possibly better meet the impending shortage of medical specialists in the future. In the coalition agreement of the black-red government it had been agreed that telemedicine should be strengthened, for example for the close supervision of high-risk patients or the chronically ill. According to experts, digital applications, especially in rural areas, should significantly improve health care, increase patient quality of life and save money. (Ag)