Role of telehealth in outbreaks—Where the classical healthcare systems fail

Abstract

To the Editor-Outbreaks impose massive burdens on healthcare systems. For example, >510 deaths were reported among the healthcare workers (HCWs) during the last Ebola outbreak, and by February 24, 2020, >3,300 HCWs had been infected with SARS-Cov-2 in China alone. 1,2 This issue represents the essence of outbreaks-a mass of patients who require prompt medical care. Under these conditions, the classical healthcare system cannot manage the large number of COVID-19 patients immediately and effectively. 3 Telehealth provides vital services through the application of information and communication technologies for each stage of managing diseases, research, and continuing education. 4 With telecommunication, visits are more economical and preserve government, community, and family resources, which are already limited during global outbreaks. It can be used to provide rapid diagnosis, and it enables caregivers to act quickly. 5 With the appropriate utilization of telecommunication, it is possible bring access to medicine and concurrent therapy in hard-to-reach regions and communities, facilitating direct-to-patient or specialty consultation services from a distance, which is cost-effective and improves the efficacy of follow-up. 6 The benefits of implementing telehealth in outbreaks comprise 8 main areas of focus:1. The available admission capacity and the number of HCWs are limited, and the hospital infrastructure may not be adequate to serve all patients. Figure 1 presents an optimum model of telemedicine that could aid medical and social management during an outbreak. 2. The more patients referred to healthcare facilities, the more HCWs are at risk of being infected. Also, most referrals are unnecessary and merely increase the load on the healthcare system. Furthermore, people referred to hospitals are at an incredibly higher risk of infection. More than 40% of the infections are assumed to be hospital related, though they should be quite simple to prevent (Fig. 1). 73. In affected regions, most healthcare facilities are dedicated to the management of COVID-19 patients. Therefore, noncritical patients (like patients with chronic and metabolic disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia) have a lower priority. As a result of self-isolating, these people, mostly the older adults, cannot attend the healthcare units. A remote follow up and visit of these patients could prevent the consequences of poorly controlling the diseases. 4. During a worldwide health emergency, some people with less mobility (ie, disabled patients) may not even be able to access the nearest local care center. Telehealth can facilitate assistance in their location while simultaneously providing clinicians instant access to their medical records. 5. In many countries, medical schools and universities are among the closed establishments. The duration of this shutdown is unknown, and medical education should be continued through the online and virtual classes. Medical conferences and gatherings could be scheduled likewise. 6. Proper us...

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