Advantages And Limitations Of Teleneurology
The growing ratio of neurological diseases has substantially increased the utilization of teleneurology among the masses. Considering how necessary the provision of neurology services at the right time is, teleneurology benefits cannot be ignored. After the spurt of COVID-19, the rate of telemedicine for neurology problems has immensely increased.
Moreover, seeing teleneurology’s advantages for hospitals, many have adopted ways to counter remote patients by making separate teleneurology teams available online.
Teleneurology benefits are multiple and can be used for specific purposes based on needs. A neurologist can connect to the patients for a consultation to educate them, and it can also be a source for acute emergencies. Patients with migraine, epilepsy, stroke, dementia, etc., can use teleneurology services. These services are accessible to remote areas, where in-person meetings and regular doctor checkups are not feasible. Patients from outlying areas also find telemedication very useful due to their travel constraints. However, there can be limitations of teleneurology.
Let’s look at how teleneurology benefits patients and what possible limitations it has.
Teleneurology Benefits
Teleneurology services provide comfort and easy access to a lot of people. The advantages of teleneurology include:
- Feasible for remote and rural patients
Teleneurology services can be beneficial for people living in the countryside, rural areas, or places with minimal access to large hospitals and teleneurological expertise. Telemedicine can assist patients from outlying areas. Teleneurology is also very beneficial when people cannot travel quickly due to a lack of emergency transport facilities. In case of a possible hailstorm, fog, snowfall, or landslide that leads to road closure, teleneurology experts are crucial in life-saving.
- Quick, timely medication for emergency cases
Imagine an emergency, but you don’t have transport, and an ambulance can’t make it. The situation can be life-threatening for you or your loved one. All that can work under such horrible circumstances is a quick and real-time teleneurologist who can help you take first aid steps, medication, and consultation. You must have a teleneurology service provider on your list if you have a person at home with neurological diseases (acute or chronic). Timely treatment can save the life of your loved one.
- Lower costs
One of the fundamental reasons why teleneurology is effective is its lower cost. Many patients in rural and remote areas cannot afford travel expenses and delay their important consultation sessions to save money. This can be fatal as neurological diseases can threaten their lives. Your doctors’ fees, travel costs, eatables, and a day off from work all cost you money.
Under such circumstances, one can realize teleneurology’s financial benefits. All you have to afford is the consultation fee; that too is significantly less than in-person checkups. So patients with acute neurological problems can contact teleneurologists which is a cost-effective option.
- Teleneurology for hospitals with fewer patients
Along with patients, teleneurology also provides substantial benefits to hospitals and clinics. Patients with remote checkups are less prone to contract pathogens, germs, and harmful bacteria from hospitals. Similarly, doctors, paramedical staff, and cleaning crews get more chances to focus on patients with chronic diseases in hospitals. This also leads to less hustle and bustle, which is good for the health of severe patients. Doctors can make regular visits to emergencies and ICUs.
Patients who prefer teleneurology consultations, routine checkups, and medication contribute a positive role in making hospitals hustle-free. With an enthusiastic team of teleneurologist and teleneurology services, NeuroX provides one of the best services and keeps its patients on priority. Their team of teleneurologists is always available for emergency consultations and listens to patients with great focus. Patients can set their appointments for teleneurology consultation and psychological problems. They can also attain psychiatric help from their team of experts and practitioners in the relevant fields.
Limitations of Teleneurology
Although teleneurology benefits a lot and we cannot neglect its significance, there are some situations where teleneurology and expertise may not work.
- Tests, sample collection, or machinery-based checkups
In many situations, doctors prefer in-person checkups and physical examinations of patients with neurological diseases. However, teleneurology may limit doctors from doing necessary blood tests, machine-based examinations, urine tests, MRIs, ECG, and many others. Similarly, some patients may feel more comfortable with in-person checkups and may not feel satisfied with teleneurology services. Patients at the stage of diagnosis must also take in-person examination sessions for neurological diseases.
- Medical-legal problems
Legal permission is crucial when it comes to telemedicine or teleneurology. Sometimes, teleneurologists may face legal consequences for not having the license of the area where they are providing consultation to patients. Doctors and patients must ensure the provision of a permit before connecting to stay away from any severe consequences. Neurologists must ensure to get all information about licensing of their patients’ country and area by getting legal advice before starting a teleneurology practice.