As the pandemic rolls on, general fears about the virus and many worldwide governments announcing order to stay home unless ill, led the way for technology to influence how healthcare systems continue to work.
Telehealth especially, was quickly adopted by health care professionals and has proven to be an adequate and rather easy way for doctors to diagnosis, consult and provide guidance for patients. But this shift towards technologically led communication, has also opened the eyes of many HCPs to certain tech inequalities created by socioeconomic status, or age.
Many patients do not have access to computers or are not tech savvy enough to do a video visit. Often times, these are our most vulnerable patients (i.e. elderly).”
Rheumatologist - US
“Most of the elderly people in our area did not leave their homes and asked their neighbors or relatives to go shopping, For them, a video consultation might have been nice, but these patients often did not have the possibility to make Skype calls – sometimes, they did not even use mobile phones.” GP – Germany.
As the pandemic continues, and more of our everyday from school to work to things like doctors appointments become virtual, it’s important to recognize that access and understanding of technology is a privilege. It can and will act as another barrier, dividing the globe unless focused on. With this in mind, we must continue to make sure technology is available for all, so that health or education will not become stunted without reason.
Latest Articles
- Facing the chaos of the early pandemic– “The craziest experience of my lifetime…”
In early Spring 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic provided a US Primary Care Physician with an opportunity to […] - Admiring the strength of colleagues when leadership failed
For a Neurologist in the UK, reflecting on the 2020 pandemic effort leads to strong positives AND negatives, in how […] - Financial uncertainty. Another pandemic stressor for doctors
Staying open in a closed economy. For a US-based Neurologist, the COVID-19 pandemic forced him into into a whole new type of […] - Chronic disruption
In our piece about readiness of healthcare systems to wave 2 of the pandemic “Were we ready for round two?” […] - We’re in this together.(except for everyone else… they can’t be trusted)
The second wave has been a test of self-discipline and trust in others also playing their part. The hardest part […] - Behind the Mask of a US Physician’s Assistant
Blindsided by furloughs and financial insecurity In the US, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on a Physician’s Assistant were […]
Subscribe
Subscribe and learn more as the
global situation unfolds