A New Dimension of Health Care: The Benefits, Limitations and Implications of Virtual Medicine

Abstract

Background: Virtual medicine has been rapidly evolving over the past several decades. However, obstacles such as data security, inadequate funding and limited technological resources have hindered its seamless incorporation into the health care system. The recent pandemic has induced a widespread adoption of virtual care practices to remove the need for physical meetings between patients and health care practitioners.
 Purpose: This literature review aims to examine the current state of virtual medicine amid the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluate the benefits, limitations and implications of continuing technological advancements in the future.
 Findings: Most of the available literature suggests that the recent adoption of virtual medicine has allowed practitioners to cut down on costs and secondary expenses while maintaining the quality of medical care services. Due to the growing consumer demand, researchers predict that virtual medicine may be a viable modality for patient care post-pandemic. However, concerns surrounding patient security and digital infrastructure threaten the ability of virtual medicine to provide quality and effective health care. Additionally, rural virtual medicine programs face challenges in expanding services due to the scarcity of information and communication technology specialists and inadequate funding. Comprehensive legislation and governance standards must be implemented to ensure proper data security and privacy. Additional funds may also be required to train staff, reform current digital software and improve the quality of service. The proliferation of advanced technologies and improvements in current platforms will enable more providers to render virtual medical care services.

Has Virtual Care Arrived? A Survey of Rural Canadian Providers During the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Additional concerns, noted in a review of virtual care, were the scarcity of information about communication technology use when interacting with specialists and sustainable funding concerns for rural providers adopting virtual care. 20 …”

“…Additional concerns, noted in a review of virtual care, were the scarcity of information about communication technology use when interacting with specialists and sustainable funding concerns for rural providers adopting virtual care. 20 Rural concerns and challenges around virtual care will require solutions. 21 Rural providers' views of current and future use of virtual care are an important driver for ongoing planning to ensure long-term, equitable access and care quality.…”