COVID 5 Years Later: Impact on Healthcare

The realm of healthcare has seen a dramatic shift in recent times, with telemedicine emerging as a standout innovation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Michael Aziz, an Attending Physician at New York’s Lenox Hill Hospital, highlights the significant impact of connected technology on the way Americans access healthcare services. He notes that while telemedicine was available before the pandemic, its widespread adoption during the crisis has propelled it into the mainstream.

A study reveals that telemedicine encounters surged by a staggering 766% in the initial three months of the COVID outbreak. Despite a decline in usage since then, Dr. Aziz emphasizes the continued importance of telemedicine, particularly for individuals in rural areas, young professionals, and those seeking convenience. However, barriers such as cost and limited insurance coverage remain obstacles to broader telemedicine adoption, especially among senior citizens.

Experts agree that telemedicine is most effective for certain conditions, with psychiatric services being a prime example. Dr. Chris Ivany, Psychiatrist and COO of Family Care Center, underscores the pandemic’s adverse impact on mental health, citing a notable increase in depression, anxiety, and social isolation among adults aged 18 to 49. This has led to a heightened demand for mental health services post-crisis, aided by a reduction in the stigma associated with seeking mental health care.

In addition to telemedicine, the healthcare industry is grappling with a significant shortage of staff, with approximately 3000 healthcare professionals losing their lives and 100,000 retiring or changing careers due to the pandemic. Dr. Aziz notes the challenges hospitals face in recruiting and retaining healthcare workers, underscoring the strain on the healthcare system.

While telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare delivery, it is not the only groundbreaking development to emerge from the pandemic. The rapid development and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, alongside advancements in rapid testing and antigen tests, represent pivotal innovations that have reshaped the healthcare landscape in response to the crisis.

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve in the aftermath of the pandemic, it is clear that telemedicine and other transformative innovations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery.