When the worldwide pandemic hit, most health systems shifted to virtual care. Virtual care solutions such as telehealth and telemedicine software enable patients to receive diagnosis, treatment, and therapy from the comfort of their homes. Even after COVID-19 providers and patients prefer telehealth because of its convenience and effectiveness.
Telehealth for Behavioural Health
In the field of behavioral health, telehealth has seen substantial expansion and adoption in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has spurred the adoption of telemedicine technologies across a wide range of healthcare disciplines, including behavioral health.
According to new data from market research firm Trilliant Health revealed that there was a 45-fold increase in telemedicine services for mental and behavioral health since the pandemic.
The new data also showed that virtual behavioral health use soared from 1% in 2019 to 33% in 2022. The rates of virtual prescribing of stimulants also increased.
Benefits of Telemedicine when used for Mental Health
Telemedicine EMR Software remains a key modality for effective mental healthcare delivery across the United States. An ongoing mental health crisis in America amplifies the need for prompt behavioral healthcare via remote care options. Implementing telehealth can benefit patients and healthcare providers in the following ways:
Boost Access to Care
When leveraged, telemedicine software can help increase care access by letting patients with geographical barriers receive care. Telehealth sessions enable patients to receive therapy and counseling without having to drive down to the hospital.
Convenience and Flexibility
Telehealth platform offers great convenience and flexibility to both clinicians and patients. Patients don’t need to travel to get care, this helps to reduce costs. Through virtual tools, caregivers can offer more flexible hours.
Seamless collaboration
Virtual care delivery solutions like telemedicine allow behavioral health practitioners to collaborate and consult with one another. This enables physicians to discuss cases, seek second opinions, or obtain supervision from experts in different places.
Remote Monitoring
Remote monitoring and support in behavioral health can be facilitated by telehealth technologies. Wearable devices and mobile apps can provide valuable data on sleep patterns and vital signs. Providers now have a better opportunity to intervene at the right time to enhance health outcomes.
Challenges of Telemedicine Software
While telehealth has many advantages, it also has certain drawbacks and restrictions. These can include technological barriers such as a lack of consistent internet connectivity or a lack of familiarity with digital technologies. Concerns about privacy and security when transferring sensitive health information must also be addressed to ensure compliance with patient confidentiality rules.
As healthcare institutions adapt to this rapidly expanding mode of care delivery, the acceptance and integration of telehealth within behavioral health treatments continue to evolve.
