In 2019, HomeCare Städteregion Aachen gGmbH was one of the first providers to introduce televisits using the TeleDoc Portable. Two TeleDoc Portables and our video consultation service were used for this purpose. A study shows that between March 2020 and March 2023, 752 televisits were carried out on 333 patients.
Since the coronavirus pandemic began just a few months after the introduction of telemedicine, even many older patients had already used video calls to stay in touch with relatives. This reduced their reservations about the new technology and led to the older target group being the most receptive to it. They were curious and enthusiastic about how quickly a doctor could be connected via video.
Initially, there were reservations within the team. Some employees feared that telemedicine could have a negative impact on the doctor-patient relationship and lead to job cuts. However, it quickly became clear that TeleDoc-Portable is a complementary support for medical services and nursing staff – not a replacement.
However, the introduction of telemedicine required extensive organizational adjustments. schedules were adjusted, new workflows were established, and technical challenges had to be overcome. Poor internet connections led to frustration, especially in border areas. Doctors questioned the effort involved and sometimes preferred to make direct house calls. Over time, however, a clear structure was developed that optimized workflows.
The equipment used in the TeleDoc Portable was also adapted over time. The large number of devices originally integrated and the associated examinations tended to cause uncertainty among palliative care patients rather than giving them a feeling of security. For this reason, the equipment was reduced to a stethoscope, an ECG, a wound camera, and an iPad. This combination proved to be ideal for SAPV.
Over the course of the first three years, the most intensive period of use was during the second coronavirus lockdown (early October 2020 to late December 2020). Immediately after the coronavirus measures were lifted, telemedicine was used the least, but this leveled off again over time and regular use of telemedicine continued.
The Homecare Aachen team found that the use of telemedicine enriched all situations in SAPV. The TeleDoc Portable could be used not only for planned home visits, but also in emergency situations.
In such situations, televisits enable doctors to be involved quickly. While the doctor reassures the patient and explains the next steps in a clear manner, the nurse can concentrate fully on providing care. This direct support not only creates a sense of security and calm in challenging moments, but also increases the quality of acute care.
Even critically minded patients were won over by the advantages of telemedicine, as the opportunity to speak directly with a doctor often alleviates uncertainties and fears – especially in the final stages of life.
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