HEALTH PROFESSIONS INDEMNITY
Navigating the digital frontier in telemedicine
By Jiyaad Khan , PPS Health Professions Indemnity : Service Consultant
Telemedicine has experienced explosive growth , with patient interactions soaring . From 21 million US adults in 2019 to 64 million by 2023 , the digital healthcare revolution is expanding at a rapid pace . Although these statistics focus on the US , with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in that country reporting a surge in telemedicine use from 15.4 % to 86.5 % between 2019 and 2021 , this growth is a global reality . The global digital health market is projected to reach US $ 660 billion by 2025 , according to Statista , reflecting the worldwide trend in digital healthcare adoption .
Medical graduates in South Africa stand at the forefront of an exciting healthcare evolution . Telehealth solutions have redefined traditional healthcare delivery methods . Recent studies by hospital groups such as Netcare and Mediclinic show that 92 % of patients report better satisfaction with digital technologies . Healthcare experts have also embraced this change , with 88 % making digitalisation and patient-centric approaches their investment priority . In South Africa , electronic consultations have been adopted . For example , Netcare has provided telemedicine platforms allowing remote consultations , making healthcare more accessible .
The digital transformation presents unique opportunities and challenges . Technologies like artificial intelligence , robotics and blockchain have revolutionised healthcare delivery . These advancements create promising career paths for South African medical professionals .
THE DIGITAL HEALTH LANDSCAPE IN SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa launched its telemedicine programme in 1991 , achieving its first teleradiology breakthrough through the Department of Health ( DOH ) in 1998 . The healthcare system follows a mixed model , with the government-funded public sector providing services to three-quarters of the population . Since then , the digital landscape has evolved significantly and during the COVID-19 pandemic , the DOH approved expanded telemedicine use . Today , the HIV Clinicians Expert Telemedicine Platform is the country ’ s largest provider .
While infrastructure has made strides , challenges remain , including high mobile data costs , limited digital literacy , restricted healthcare budgets , unreliable power supply and connectivity issues . The Health Professions Council of South Africa ( HPCSA ) has established guidelines for telehealth practice , focusing on patient privacy , professional relationships and quality care standards . At the same time , the Protection of Personal Information Act ( POPIA ) ensures data security . The National Digital Health Strategy ( 2019-2024 ) aims to improve health for all South Africans through digital health , expanding access , particularly in underserved areas .
South African universities now offer digital health courses and postgraduate research opportunities . However , telehealth still faces challenges such as legal and regulatory scrutiny , malpractice risks and the need for comprehensive insurance cover . To mitigate these risks , healthcare providers must adopt best practices , secure data transmission and maintain patient trust through proper documentation and training .
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