Flattening the infection curve – understanding the role of telehealth in managing COVID-19

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the strategic role of telehealth technologies in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach This is a viewpoint paper, based on opportune information published and discussed by scholars and managers from different sources; the authors gathered this information to discuss the implications of telehealth during the outbreak. Findings Based on examples and benchmarking, the authors found that it is possible to lean on telehealth technologies as a frontline ally to avoid the spread of the virus by tracking, testing and treating (3T’s model). Research limitations/implications Together with information published on COVID-19, the authors present their critical observations on the use of telehealth. However, the authors acknowledge that there are restrictions on the use of new technologies in health-care practices that were not addressed by this paper, and they suggest further research to address this limitation. Practical implications Governments, health-care organizations and managers are encouraged to take advantage of the information published in this paper. One of the benefits of telehealth is the possibility of bringing patients and physicians together virtually, without the need for physical contact. Henceforth, the authors suggest a more comprehensive implementation of best practices from telehealth to relieve congested health-care facilities and to avoid the risk of further infection. Social implications The economic and social impacts of the virus are considered unprecedented by governments worldwide. Therefore, the authors advocate that telehealth practices embedded in health-care practices relieve the pressure that naturally arise during this type of critical event. Originality/value In this timely paper, the authors provide invaluable information related to the impact of telehealth technologies on flattening the infection curve of COVID-19.

IoMT amid COVID-19 pandemic: Application, architecture, technology, and security

“…South Korea's approach to flattening the curve without imposing a total lockdown has been lauded by many countries around the world. The concept of flattening the curve is to reduce the number of new cases so as not to overwhelm the capacity and capability of the healthcare system while reducing the spread of the virus ( Leite et al., 2019 ). A total lockdown would be detrimental to the country's economy and may result in recession and unemployment that would be hard to recover ( Rogoff, 2020 ).…”

“…South Korea has managed to curb the transmission of the virus by integrating and adopting multiple strategies based on discussions amongst health-care professionals, technical committees, and government agencies. Their approach, known as the 3 T, stands for Trace, Test, and Treat (MOHW.kr, 2020 , Leite et al., 2019 ). Although IoMT is primarily used in their ‘Trace’ strategy, the other two strategies (Test and Treat) are described briefly as well for the sake of clarity and completeness.…”

Implications of telehealth and digital care solutions during COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative literature review

“…Research and development in telehealth has been in existence since in 1960s. 5 Digital care provides medical services remotely and telehealth is a practice of medicine which involves using technology to provide care at a distance. 5 Telehealth and digital care involves the provision of medical-care services via Information Communication Technology (ICT) has demonstrated potential to provide efficient medical services in a cost-effective manner.…”

“…5 Digital care provides medical services remotely and telehealth is a practice of medicine which involves using technology to provide care at a distance. 5 Telehealth and digital care involves the provision of medical-care services via Information Communication Technology (ICT) has demonstrated potential to provide efficient medical services in a cost-effective manner. 5,15 Given incessant pressure on medical sector to manage costs while providing better care, digital care could be viewed as an important tool which eliminates the need for patients traveling and delivers remote services.…”

“…4 But, presently due to the pandemic there are overcrowded emergency units in hospitals, which struggles to manage constrained capacity and high demand. 5 Although face-to-face interactions certainly play a vital role in the physician examination of patients, it is not safe in managing pandemics. 3 This raises question for healthcare professionals on how to provide medical care without physical interactions with patients.…”