Telehealth has become a cornerstone of the global health sector over the past few years.
Convenience is a huge part of telehealth’s attraction. Public and private services have made it easier for everyone to access high-quality healthcare via digital platforms.
Telehealth has reduced the strain on medical facilities by taking non-emergency situations off their plate. Healthcare professionals can now focus on patients dealing with conditions that require hands-on expertise.
While telehealth has been deployed across various medical fields, there have been plenty of debates about how it fits into orthopaedic sports medicine. Read on as we take a close look.
Telehealth and sports medicine
Before the Covid pandemic, most athletes relied on face-to-face visits with orthopaedic specialists to treat their injury issues.
Physical exams, imaging and other hands-on treatment were essential parts of care. But when clinics shut their doors, telehealth stepped in to fill the void.
Telehealth allows patients to schedule online appointments with medical professionals. All they require is a suitable digital device and stable access to the internet.
Technology has also delivered wearable and artificial intelligence (AI) tools that help medical professionals monitor the progress of patients without regular in-person check-ups.
There are certain areas of orthopaedic sports medicine where telehealth works well and where it falls short, which has sparked comparisons to in-person care. However, according to a recent survey, telehealth is often just as effective and efficient as in-person care.
It also takes up far less time than visits to medical facilities, which makes it perfect for athletes who must stick to busy training schedules.
Telehealth has made such a lasting impression that nearly 70 percent of patients who attended in-person visits said they would consider using virtual care in the future.
Challenges of telehealth in orthopaedic sports medicine
There is a general acceptance that telehealth is far from a one-size-fits-all solution. It wasn’t created to replace in-person care, but it has done a decent job reducing the strain on the healthcare system.
While telehealth is promising, the survey revealed some key challenges. For example, it is not as effective as in-person care when athletes require physical examinations.
Orthopaedic sports medicine deals with issues that involve the musculoskeletal system, which encompasses nearly every athlete, especially those who engage in contact sports.
When they are trying to resolve an injury, a video consultation can only do so much. It can provide guidance for self-assessment, but it does not have the precision of a hands-on examination.
For an injured footballer, it would be quite difficult for a medical professional to definitively diagnose an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear from a video call alone.
They would need to carry out a physical exam and use advanced imaging such as an MRI to accurately assess the injury.
There could also be a technology barrier. The concept of telehealth assumes that patients have access to digital devices, a reliable internet connection and a private environment to consult a medical professional.
While this is generally not a problem for professional athletes, community-level athletes may be impacted by the tech barrier, making it difficult for them to access quality care.
Telehealth was created to complement in-person care, but it can be quite difficult to convey the appropriate body language, rapport and reassurance through a screen.
How telehealth can support athletes
Telehealth is clearly an important part of how care is delivered around the world. That point is particularly pertinent in Australia, where telehealth is booming.
The reputable private providers featured on telehealth comparison platform Medicompare help to bridge the gap between those challenges and the vast potential of virtual care.
They offer a wide range of digital healthcare solutions, including mental health services and weight management programmes.
Telehealth it perfect for athletes. It stands out for its rapid prescription and delivery service. Medications can be ordered, approved online and delivered within hours.
For athletes who are recovering from muscular surgery or managing pain and inflammation, getting their medication early could make all the difference.
Many telehealth providers offer diagnostic support for athletes. During rehabilitation, athletes need blood tests to monitor inflammation markers and hormone levels.
The services have that covered through affordable referrals for any test an athlete needs, and they are processed through thousands of collection centres.
Once the required test is confirmed, getting approval from a telehealth consultant is a walk in the park.
Adam Mulligan, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.