{"id":1622,"date":"2021-10-29T13:08:57","date_gmt":"2021-10-29T13:08:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/learningconnected.com\/?p=1622"},"modified":"2022-05-20T09:45:38","modified_gmt":"2022-05-20T09:45:38","slug":"live-online-arts-patientgesprekken-de-patient-is-om-nu-de-arts-nog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/learningconnected.com\/en\/blog\/live-online-arts-patientgesprekken-de-patient-is-om-nu-de-arts-nog\/","title":{"rendered":"Live online physician-patient conversations: The patient is around. Now it's the doctor's turn."},"content":{"rendered":"

In early 2020, the Dutch healthcare system was significantly disrupted by the outbreak of COVID-19. To prevent the risk of infection, the number of on-site appointments was immediately reduced to the bare minimum. To still allow for some doctor-patient contact, many GPs and hospitals introduced online doctor-patient conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, 1.5 years later, it is time to take stock. Will video calling disappear from the picture when the pressure on healthcare decreases? We think and hope not! For both the patient, the hospital and the doctor, online doctor-patient conversations offer many advantages. Hester Hooijen tells you what they are in this blog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patient<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Online image calling, in particular, really offers many benefits to the patient;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. The patient does not have to travel to the hospital for every consultation or follow-up. This saves travel time, money but also a lot of inconvenience. If you are really sick or have trouble walking, even getting ready to go to the hospital can be a hassle. It is also very annoying to have to arrange transportation if you are unable to drive yourself.<\/li>
  2. Patients no longer have to wait in an uncomfortable waiting room with other patients, nor do they have to fear unexpected encounters with acquaintances.<\/li>
  3. If the patient does not understand something, it is relatively easier for them to call in a roommate or family member.<\/li>
  4. The patient can resume other activities immediately before and after the consultation.<\/li>
  5. Possibly, replacing a consultation online can even contribute to the patient's mental well-being. What we sometimes forget: a patient is not just a patient but a person. Spending less time in the hospital and being preoccupied with \"being sick\" gives the patient more time to focus mentally and physically on other aspects of life.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Not only patients have noticed these benefits. Zorgverzekeraars Nederland and Pati\u00ebntenfederatie Nederland are now even arguing for a right to digital help. In many cases, a patient should be able to choose to be helped online instead of going to the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The hospital<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Hospitals themselves are now also realizing that the continued use of live online tools for doctor-patient consultations yields many benefits. Especially now that the pressure on healthcare will further increase in the coming years due to aging, serious consideration is being given to whether live online consultations are here to stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The benefits to hospitals?<\/p>\n\n\n\n