Care : balancing digital and real time needs
By Varsha Vala — Executive : Managed Care and Digital Health at PPS Healthcare Administrators
One has to wonder whether the adoption of this practice will be sustained post the pandemic . Has this become the ‘ new normal ’?
If so , how will healthcare providers assure patients that in doing so they are getting value for money for the services so provided ?
The ability of providers to offer a hybrid model is of critical importance given that there are patients that may want to access either model . The re-imagining of the way of work along with the underlying consumer journey needs to be well understood and planned for , along with the parallel advances in technology , infrastructure and people skills .
Providers of professional healthcare services must have noticed how their patients ’ expectations have changed over the span of just one year . These changes will impact practices in ways that require short-term and longer-term plans .
Investors internationally have poured almost $ 600 million into technological solutions for mental health . The reason , of course , is that everyone ’ s stress is up and mental wellness is down . The pandemic has had dire economic , social and relational consequences , and we are all finding that our wellbeing is under pressure .
The impact of COVID-19 on healthcare provision and consumption has also raised the issue of balancing care when connections with patients happen digitally . The use of telehealth for a variety of health conditions has spiked .
With different modalities of care associated with mental health in particular , there has been a proliferation of applications in the form of medication , coaching and therapy apps which can just end up being confusing .
So where then does the healthcare provider play a role in this current , and perhaps future , virtual world ?
The need to meet people where they are and when they need care is an absolute requirement . Care providers
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