Health at Home: The Benefits of Remote Care

The doctor will see you now – at home.

Healthcare is rapidly shifting to a remote model, with doctors diagnosing and monitoring patients virtually. The change, initially driven by the pandemic, is likely to become the new norm for care due to an increasingly tech-savvy population.

At-home healthcare moves beyond traditional facilities, bringing digital health to patients wherever they are through devices, visiting caregivers, and virtual treatments. The global home healthcare market was valued at $299.24 billion in 2021 and is expected to exceed $961.12 billion by 2030.

Decentralized healthcare has many benefits, with a wealth of options to help technology-first patients manage chronic conditions and recovery with virtual oversight from their doctors. Home-based treatments and advances in monitoring and communications technology can revolutionize the way we think about health in the future.

Forms of Remote Healthcare

Recent advancements in healthcare technology allow patients to receive quality care from the comfort of their own homes. Virtual monitoring and communications solutions increase patient engagement in their health while reducing the burden on clinics that may be understaffed and underfunded.

Digital care can range from a quick telehealth chat to long-term treatment at home with the help of visiting caregivers. Apps, self-testing kits, and e-prescriptions make healthcare accessible and convenient even for patients who might otherwise experience barriers to care.

Benefits of At-Home Healthcare for Patients and Providers

Extending treatment beyond physical facilities transforms the doctor-patient experience for the better. Patient-led, value-based care at home improves outcomes while reducing costs, and the benefits will only increase as more providers adopt this model.

Healthcare leaders are starting to recognize the positive impacts of remote care. Twenty-six percent want to extend care delivery beyond their hospital or clinic, while 25% plan to facilitate a shift to virtual care or telehealth.

The benefits of home healthcare for patients and providers have significant tangible and intangible value, including:

Improved Communications

Digital technology facilitates better communication between doctors and patients. AI-assisted chats, self-service portals, and digital triage allow them to exchange information and stay connected in real-time. Integrating with other healthcare applications provides a seamless flow of patient information, scheduling, and communication, streamlining the remote care process.

Better Accessibility

Virtual healthcare increases medical equity by eliminating the need for patients to travel long distances for routine check-ups or consultations and the time and costs associated with it. For patients in rural or remote areas who may not have easy access to healthcare providers, telemedicine and other digital health solutions enable them to regularly communicate with their doctors from the comfort of their homes.

Increased Engagement

Healthcare providers can use UC&C technology to schedule follow-up appointments and communicate with patients about medication adherence, lifestyle changes, and treatment progress. Regular communication fosters patient engagement and increases the likelihood of adhering to treatment plans.

Lowered costs

Medical expenses can be a barrier to care for many patients, let alone the cost of travel and extended stays away from home. In-facility care is also expensive for providers. Moving low-attention or long-term treatments out of hospitals frees beds for more acute patient care. Chronic conditions can be costly and time-consuming for doctors and patients, but remote monitoring, communications, and recovery can help reduce healthcare spending.

Current Challenges Facing Home-Based Healthcare

As with any new system, there are barriers to adopting home-based healthcare. Data security, interoperability, and cost considerations are all issues providers must consider as they make the shift toward decentralization.

Most data, communications, and records generated during medical treatment are stored in the cloud. Twenty-one percent of healthcare leaders have concerns related to data privacy and security. Health information is highly private and sensitive; patients must know their records are safe.

Given the complex tech stacks healthcare providers typically have, they need a solution that integrates quickly and brings patient information together to manage it more effectively. UC solutions with open APIs allow information to be shared across care settings seamlessly and securely. Releasing data from the silos often created by different systems and applications is critical for successful remote care.

Finally, the upfront costs of transferring to a remote-first approach to care can be daunting for providers. Adopting the technology required for at-home care can be a major investment despite the long-term savings in facilities and staffing. Providers must evaluate the economic viability of going virtual, even if it means transferring one system at a time and managing integrations.

The Future of Distributed Healthcare

The future of healthcare lies beyond the walls of the doctor’s office. Remote care offers patients more personalized, meaningful, and equitable treatments in their preferred locations.

Institutions like the NHS, Medicaid, and Medicare are leading the shift towards telehealth. These and other healthcare organizations are undertaking large-scale initiatives to digitize records and make virtual care more accessible to patients and providers.

The technology for remote healthcare is constantly evolving, and Mitel’s communications solutions are a critical piece of the remote healthcare puzzle, facilitating effective doctor-patient relationships. Omnichannel chat, voice, and video platforms keep patients, healthcare professionals, and providers connected and informed, regardless of location.

API integrations mesh with providers’ existing digital ecosystems, reducing silos and enabling easy, secure data transfer. AI-supported automation triages and prioritizes patient calls, tracks patient recovery, and sends prescription renewal reminders, while smart scheduling improves efficiency and response times.

Contact us to learn how Mitel’s healthcare communications and collaboration systems facilitate better patient outcomes worldwide.