Better communication between patients and caregivers can result in fewer appointments and more free time for both parties. For instance, video technology could allow patients with limited mobility to receive clinical services more conveniently.
With the rise of health apps, patients can now monitor their medical conditions and test results, which can help them reduce their healthcare costs and improve their quality of life. It’s easy to imagine how this technology could considerably impact modern medicine. Despite the various advantages that it’s brought to the healthcare system, it still faces many challenges.
- Security
Due to the sensitive nature of patient data, security is a top priority for healthcare applications. This is why the industry has strict requirements for implementing cryptographic security measures. All telehealth platforms must follow specific security standards to ensure that their applications are secure. Aside from implementing encryption algorithms, they also have to have policies and procedures designed to protect the data they collect.
- Cost Effectiveness and Integration
Due to the nature of real-time web communication, commonly referred to as WebRTC, enterprise organizations looking to adopt this technology will most likely encounter issues with plugins, browsers, and networks. Also, legacy systems and devices previously used to store patient data differ from this new technology.
Aside from legacy equipment, another issue that prevents organizations from adopting this technology is the need for more support for multiple protocols and hardware. Healthcare organizations would have to use different software and hardware to make it work seamlessly with traditional video conferencing solutions.
- Privacy and Regulations
There are various regulations and laws regarding the privacy and confidentiality of patient information. These regulations can make it harder for healthcare organizations to implement new technology. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is also a key concern for healthcare technology. It requires that technology that enables the transmission of patient information has to ensure that the channel is secure.
The complexity of the regulations also comes from the different laws and regulations in other countries. For instance, the European Union has specific rules and regulations regarding cross-border healthcare. This is why the Safe Harbor framework has been established, which is a standard for the safe passage of private and patient data between the US and the EU.