Telemedicine and other technological healthcare resources are here to stay and create opportunities to democratize access to care
Breaking paradigms and realities is important and can drive society to a new level. We have seen a lot of this in recent months, when the calamity accelerated processes in e-commerce, communication, and health. Although we tend to date, classify, and even seek to return to previously established formats, we cannot ignore the fact that the world is no longer the same.
Regarding digital health, which already existed and brought countless benefits, the issue of its authorization, acceptance and adherence by doctors, as well as the population, offered a practical opportunity.
After all, enough of idealizing what online service would be like, with the professional on one side and you in the comfort of your home, in a meeting room at work or even in a remote location.
Promoting our health and quality of life, without long journeys, stress and even the difficulty of consulting a specialist due to distance or cost, is part of the present and a reality built on experiences and solutions supported by humanization and technology.
In the current healthcare system, democratization is necessary. To achieve this, it is no use thinking only about the massive use of a digital tool. We need to go further, establishing partnerships, whether public or private, providing infrastructure (energy, internet, devices, etc.) and working together to ensure that laws are directed to the interests of the population.
We are aware of the challenges, but even more so of the opportunity we have at hand.
Telemedicine is not and will never be a topic only for severe moments of social isolation and movement restrictions. It is a means for doctors and patients to be close, without barriers, working towards a common goal: longevity, the ability to live together in the best way possible and with a life full of vigor.
The dialogue around this premise has already begun. Various medical specialties are already finding digital health as a way to expand their activities. Psychiatrists monitor their patients' mental health; endocrinologists better monitor chronic diseases such as diabetes; pediatricians monitor progress in child development; and the same dynamic involves nutritionists, physical educators and psychologists.
There is no restriction on emergency care, but an open door to a comprehensive health, which calls for continuous support in making intelligent decisions regarding our diet, sleep, physical activity, emotional well-being, etc.
The job market is also paying attention and what was once something intended only for large companies is now also a matter for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs.
Having a keen eye on care also ensures talent retention, strengthening the image and reputation of the company and of a Human Resources area, closely related to the employee and the value they add to the business.
Democratizing means making the more than 7.5 million remote consultations performed by more than 52.2 thousand doctors in 2020 and 2021, calculated by the Digital Health Association in Brazil, a reality for everyone. It means guaranteeing access and, above all, choice. Healthcare in Brazil is possible. The means and innovations show us this every day!
Text written by Guilherme Weigert, CEO of Conexa Group
(Text published on 01/09/2021 on the Veja Saúde website: https://saude.abril.com.br/coluna/com-a-palavra/saude-digital-sem-antes-e-depois/)
