How telemedicine companies transform today’s health care systems
During times where doctors’ offices only open for emergencies, the services that companies such as Medgate can provide seem like the perfect option. As a result, telehealth services are being met with a flood of patients in the wake of the ongoing pandemic and they are confronted with the challenge of capacity. As the government and hospitals urge patients with symptoms to avoid emergency units, online services that allow patients to consult with doctors over the phone, video or direct message are the ideal solution.
Partnership between telemedicine company Medgate and the Federal Office for Health (BAG)
During the Preparatory Seminar we had the opportunity to meet two employees from Medgate and listen to an inspiring speech how they are transforming healthcare as we know and how their services might be a possible solution to enhance healthcare access in emerging countries. Medgate is one of the leading providers of digital health services in Switzerland and now during the COVID-19 pandemic they are operating the official hotline for the Federal Office for Health. This has not been the first time either; since 2003 Medgate is the exclusive partner for operating hotlines during extraordinary circumstances that affect the public health. Their experience gained during previous epidemics and pandemics such as SARS, swine flu and bird flu have undoubtedly supported the quick setup of the hotline.
How is Medgate supporting the health care system during the current situation?
Since the end of January 2020, Medgate has been hosting the coronavirus hotline of the Federal Office of Public Health with, at peak times, more than 100 employees who offer advice around the clock, 7 days a week. On top of that, more than 320 people of whom 110 are doctors, are doing their normal work. Every insured person in Switzerland has access to medical advice via the Medgate app, telephone and video. This online service further mitigates the risk of infection for patients and also relieves the pressure on the health care system and emergency units. The hotline for COVID-19 was launched on the 30th of January 2020 and by the 16th of April 2020 over 95’000 calls had been handled.
How will digital healthcare further progress in the future and what are the opportunities of this business model?
Telemedicine is more relevant than ever since it is not limited by physical boundaries. In the current situation where personal contacts have to be minimized, telemedicine in its simplest and low-tech form is still able to offer digital consultations via telephone and video call. Medgate’s doctors are able to treat patients from the comfort of their home.
Telemedicine provides convenience and cost-effective medical care for basic health care needs. The implementation of the Medgate app is another milestone towards accessibility. However, the possibilities of digital healthcare are much greater – there are already surgical procedures that can be undertaken by a doctor in one country and a patient in another through robot-assisted technology. Telemedicine is fast becoming integrated into the daily operations of hospitals, doctors’ offices and health care consumers around the world.
Digitalization will undoubtedly bring new challenges but also further innovation for the benefit of hospitals, doctors and patients whether this is in Switzerland or in emerging countries. On one hand, Medgate’s goal is to provide people with easy, fast and safe access to health care and on the other hand the hopes are high to use artificial intelligence for the triage of patients. In conclusion, the current pandemic of COVID-19 may speed up digitalization and the use of new technologies in the health sector.
– Written by Patricia Bleuel