Sick Kiddos Get Daily Virtual Health Check-ups: Permanent Video Consultations for Parents in Off-Peak Hours
Continuous telehealth service for ailing pediatric patients is perpetually available - Permanent video conferencing service for ailing children now available.
Want a piece of this health revolution? Sick kids in Hesse, Germany now have an easy alternative to slog through traffic and face long waiting times at on-call centers - video consultations. The Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in Hesse (KVH) has seen success during a two-year trial phase and is ready to roll out this service in pediatric on-call care starting October 1st. Originally, the video service was only available on holidays.
"We're practically there with testing, and it's working freaking great!" exclaims Armin Beck, deputy chairman of the KVH. The video service aims to spare sick children and their parents the exhausting trips to on-call centers and unnecessary waiting.
No more endless travel and waiting
But, exactly how does this video consultation concept work? Parents of ailing little ones can, at the moment, only on certain holidays, contact the number 116117 between 9 am and 7 pm for an appointment. For example, during the extended Corpus Christi weekend (19th to 22nd June). Staff assesses whether symptoms match online treatment options and sets up a session with a pediatrician. Parents join the conferene via a provided link.
"If it turns out a hands-on physical examination of the child is necessary during the preliminary consultation, families will be steered towards the nearest pediatric on-call center," it's said.
Video consultations not for every ailment
Certainly, not every affliction is suitable for online treatment - for example, extremely high fever, severe injuries, or any symptoms that raise red flags, said Beck. However, patients with various rashes, conjunctivitis, stomach flu, or prescription requests are good candidates for video consultations.
The service began testing during the October 3rd, 2023 weekend and has treated around 1,500 patients remotely since then. Starting October 1st, the service will be permanent and available on Wednesdays and Fridays from 2 pm to midnight, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 7 pm to midnight, and on weekends from 7 am to 7 pm.
"As the next step, this emergency care via video will also be expanded for grown-ups," Beck announced.
- Virtual Care
- Kids
- Health Appointment
- Telemedicine
- Weekends
- Hesse
- Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians
While specific information about telemedicine video consultation services for sick children in Hesse, Germany, during off-peak hours is scarce, it's important to understand how such services work and their potential hurdles.
Telemedicine Services 101
- Virtual Consultations: That's right, partner! Telemedicine allows patients to consult with medical pros remotely, usually through video calls. This is a convenient option for kids, as it minimizes trips to physical healthcare facilities, which can be super stressful and time-consuming.
- Access and Availability: Telemedicine aims to increase healthcare access, especially beyond regular business hours. Unfortunately, the availability of these services can vary depending on providers and their policies.
- Technology: Telemedicine platforms require stable internet connections and appropriate hardware for high-quality virtual consultations. This can be challenging in areas with spotty internet or where patients lack suitable devices.
- Regulations: In Germany, telemedicine services must comply with local healthcare regulations, encompassing data privacy, security, and professional standards.
The Challenges
- Language and Accessibility: As with any technology, language and technical issues can arise, restricting access in areas with limited German proficiency or questionable internet access.
- Off-Peak Coverage: You ask, and they'll answer! Telemedicine isn't always accessible 24/7, so long-hours availability might be limited based on providers' policies.
- Emergency Situations: Sometimes, virtual consultations aren't enough - telemedicine services usually require that patients visit a hospital or urgent care center for emergencies.
Moving Forward
- Partnerships: Collaborations with local healthcare providers ensure extended hours of consultation, making sure patients can access medical advice even outside business hours.
- Public Awareness: Enlightening folks about the availability and benefits of telemedicine can boost its use, especially during off-peak hours.
- Improvements: Making telemedicine platforms user-friendly across multiple devices can enhance engagement and effectiveness. Stay tuned for more developments!
- The telemedicine services in Hesse, Germany, are part of a community policy that aims to provide vocational training for healthcare professionals in adopting and delivering health-and-wellness services, like mental-health assessments, through technology such as video consultations during off-peak hours.
- With this virtual care approach, children living in Hesse can access weekend health appointments, improving their health outcomes while minimizing stress and travel time, setting a strong precedent for the expansion of telemedicine services to include adult care.
