Pros and Cons to telehealth

Sample Answer

Pros and ❌ Cons of Telehealth

Pros (Benefits)

Increased Access: Provides healthcare to patients in rural or underserved areas and those with mobility issues, overcoming geographic barriers.

Convenience and Efficiency: Reduces patient costs and time lost from work (no travel/parking). It can also reduce clinic "no-show" rates.

Reduced Infection Risk: Minimizes exposure to contagious illnesses for both patients and staff.

Improved Chronic Care Management: Enables remote monitoring and real-time data collection (e.g., blood pressure, blood glucose) for timely intervention.

Cons (Drawbacks)

Technology Barriers (Digital Divide): Requires reliable internet and digital literacy, potentially excluding older or low-income populations.

Physical Exam Limitations: Prevents hands-on assessment (palpation, auscultation, deep reflexes).

Pre-Visit Setup:

Verify Identity and Location: Confirm the patient's identity and their exact address in case an emergency intervention is needed.

Technical Check: Ensure strong audio/video connection and that the patient is in a private, well-lit space.

Subjective Assessment (Interview): This is the core element.

Use standard history-taking techniques, focusing on detailed descriptions of symptoms, pain quality, and timing, since observation is the primary tool.

Objective Assessment (Virtual Exam): This relies on observation and instruction.

Directed Observation: Inspect appearance, breathing effort, skin color, and mental status.

Patient-Assisted Exam: Instruct the patient on how to demonstrate function (e.g., "Show me the range of motion in your shoulder," or "Hold your phone up close to show me that rash").