Are you tired of sitting in crowded waiting rooms for hours on end, only to see a doctor for a few minutes? Do you dread the hassle of driving to a clinic or hospital, especially when you're not feeling well? Do you wish you could get medical care from the comfort of your home or office, without sacrificing quality or safety?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you're not alone. The good news is that technology has made it possible for you to access healthcare remotely, through telemedicine and remote patient care. The even better news is that managed IT services can help healthcare providers deliver these services more efficiently, securely, and affordably.
In this article, we'll explore the impact of managed IT services on telemedicine and remote patient care, and provide some metrics and examples to illustrate the benefits.
Defining Managed IT Services
First, let's define what we mean by managed IT services. According to Gartner, "Managed services are the practice of outsourcing day-to-day IT management and operational responsibilities as a strategic method for improving operations and cutting expenses."
In the context of healthcare, managed IT services can include a range of activities, such as network monitoring, cloud computing, data backup, cybersecurity, and help desk support. By relying on third-party providers to handle these tasks, healthcare organizations can free up their own staff to focus on patient care, reduce the risk of downtime or data breaches, and save money on IT infrastructure and personnel.
Managed IT Services and Healthcare
Now, let's turn to telemedicine and remote patient care. These terms refer to the use of technology to connect healthcare providers with patients who are not physically present in the same location. Telemedicine can involve various modes of communication, such as video conferencing, phone calls, or text messaging.
Remote patient care can include monitoring devices, such as blood pressure cuffs, glucose meters, or wearable sensors, that transmit data to healthcare providers who can then analyze and respond to the information.
Both telemedicine and remote patient care can offer numerous benefits to patients, such as
- Convenience: Patients can receive care anytime, anywhere, without having to travel to a healthcare facility or wait in line.
- Access: Patients who live in rural or underserved areas can access specialized care that might not be available locally.
- Quality: Patients can receive timely and personalized care that is based on their individual needs and preferences, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Safety: Patients can avoid exposure to infectious diseases, especially during epidemics or pandemics, by staying at home and still receiving medical attention.
Advantages of Managed IT Services in Telemedicine and Remote Patient Care
So, what's the role of managed IT services in enhancing the impact of telemedicine and remote patient care? Let's look at some metrics and examples to find out.
Increased Availability of Telemedicine Services
One of the main advantages of managed IT services is that they can improve the infrastructure and connectivity needed to support telemedicine services. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that a managed telehealth solution that included secure video conferencing, patient portals, and remote monitoring devices significantly increased the number of patients who received telemedicine visits, reduced the number of missed appointments, and improved patient satisfaction.
The same study also reported that the cost of telemedicine visits was lower than in-person visits, due to reduced travel and administrative expenses. Another study published in the American Journal of Managed Care found that a managed telemedicine network that used high-speed broadband, cloud-based software, and mobile apps reduced hospital readmissions, improved medication adherence, and saved over $3 million in healthcare costs in one year.
Improved Patient Care
Another benefit of managed IT services is that they can enable healthcare providers to deliver more personalized and effective care to patients, even at a distance.
For example, a case study published by Cisco Systems reported that a managed telemedicine platform that integrated video conferencing, electronic health records, and remote monitoring devices helped a rural health system in Texas improve outcomes for patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. The platform allowed patients to interact with nurses and physicians through video visits, access their health records online, and receive automated reminders for medication and self-care.
The study found that the platform led to a 71% reduction in emergency room visits, a 67% reduction in hospital admissions, and a 29% reduction in per-patient costs. The study also noted that the platform improved patient engagement and satisfaction, as patients appreciated the convenience and continuity of care.
Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare found that a managed telehealth service that combined remote monitoring, medication management, and telephonic coaching helped patients with heart failure improve their self-care behaviors, such as daily weighing and medication adherence. The study reported that the service led to a significant reduction in hospital readmissions, from 43% to 8%, and a significant increase in patient confidence and empowerment. The study also found that the service was cost-effective, with an estimated return on investment of 2.24:1 over one year.
Cost Savings
A third benefit of managed IT services in telemedicine and remote patient care is that they can reduce the overall costs of healthcare, for both providers and patients.
For instance, a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that a managed telemedicine program that provided remote consultations, monitoring, and education for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) reduced hospitalizations and emergency department visits, and saved over $2 million in healthcare costs over two years. The program also improved patient outcomes and satisfaction, as patients reported feeling more in control of their symptoms and receiving more timely and comprehensive care.
Another example comes from a managed telepsychiatry service that provides mental health care to patients in underserved areas of the United States. A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research found that the service reduced the average cost per visit by 68%, compared to in-person visits, and saved patients an average of 110 miles of travel per visit. The study also reported high levels of patient satisfaction and quality of care, as well as a significant reduction in wait times for appointments.
How Anteris Can Help
As the demand for telemedicine and remote patient care continues to grow, managed IT services are becoming increasingly important for healthcare organizations looking to improve patient care, reduce costs, and stay compliant with regulations. However, not all managed IT services providers are created equal, and healthcare organizations need to choose their partners carefully based on their specific needs, goals, and regulatory requirements.
At Anteris, we understand the unique challenges that healthcare providers face when it comes to implementing telemedicine and remote patient care. Our managed IT services are designed to help healthcare organizations improve patient care, while ensuring compliance with regulations such as HIPAA and HITECH. Our team of experts can manage and monitor your IT systems, provide advanced analytics and data security, and offer 24/7 support to patients and healthcare providers alike.
By partnering with Anteris, healthcare organizations can unlock the full potential of telemedicine and remote patient care, and provide high-quality care to patients regardless of their location. As technology continues to evolve, and as healthcare needs continue to grow, Anteris is committed to providing innovative managed IT services that meet the unique needs of the healthcare industry, and improve the health and well-being of patients around the world. Contact us today to learn more about how our managed IT services can help your healthcare organization achieve its goals.
