Has COVID-19 Given a Boost to Telemedicine, and Is It a Viable Alternative to Traditional Consultations? An Opinion Piece.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic hit the world in early 2020. It presented a lot of new challenges which included a new means of establishing patient healthcare through Telehealth/ Telemedicine. Telehealth was widely used to limit the spread of this viral illness. Telehealth came out with its advantages and disadvantages. We discussed a few points in reference to healthcare access to patients, the efficiency of care delivery, the professional impacts of telehealth and the relational dimension of care in this article. After weighing all the risks/benefits, we think a hybrid virtual/in-person consultation is best to serve the ever-growing needs of the population's healthcare. Further research is needed in this field to make a smoother transition to the virtual world.