2023-09-05 18:00:14
Despite the heyday of medical consultations online, there are some specialties in which face-to-face service is required.
In Mexico, almost half of the health needs are met by the private sector.
Some tools such as Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality have promoted the development of digital health.
The Digital health is experiencing its moment of greatest apogee thanks to the expansion shown by the internet. Now you can not only consult information from any mobile device but also receive medical attention. The interaction between patients and doctors has changed forever although there are still some areas of opportunity for the healthcare industry.
An important point is that in Mexico almost half of the health needs (48.8%) are attended by the private sector. Although private offices and pharmacies account for most of the market, multiple care alternatives have emerged.
With this context, the Gerundio agency presented the results of its study Deciphering the new ways to take care of ourselves. It consisted of an analysis of current trends in telemedicine (teleconsultations, remote monitoring, telemental health, Artificial Intelligence, and Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality).
In turn, it interviewed different of its users in depth to identify: learning about how they use said services; the opportunities that new businesses should take into account in the medical industry; and the parameters to design an ideal care experience.
Main trends in digital health
Your medical consultation one click away: Tools that allow medical consultations anywhere and at any time have become essential, providing users with a sense of security and peace of mind regarding their health.
Health insurance within reach: Options in the digital health insurance market are valued by young people who are starting their working life, and they become essential for “digital nomads” who seek medical security in the countries to which they migrate.
Not everything can be consulted in telemedicine: There are medical situations that they would not take through telemedicine, because they are “yes necessary” in person. Gynecological consultations stand out, including follow-up ones, as well as pediatric ones.
Emergencies need to be dealt with in person: there is a level of “emergency” and “seriousness” related to the type of medical care. For discomfort or discomfort of one or two days, with mild symptoms, telemedicine consultations are a great alternative. For severe symptoms or discomfort that lasts more than three days, face-to-face consultations are decisive, since it implies a physical and precise review of your symptoms.
Additional Savings: Telemedicine users save time and money on the transfers they avoid and also on the cost of consultations, since digital ones are usually cheaper than face-to-face ones (with the same specialist).
Providing confidence and security is essential: For those who have not experimented with telemedicine, there is mistrust as they believe that the care is not personalized and that they are given a “generic” treatment that is related to their symptoms.
Direct competition: Pharmacy offices (private or belonging to chains) are the equivalent of telemedicine for users who have not yet approached this option. They are reached for mild symptoms or for common ailments, but they are not perceived as services that would be used for all specialties.
Opportunity areas for consolidation
Offer integral solutions that combine services of telemedicine with remote monitoring and mental health care, for continuous and comprehensive surveillance. Service integration by collaborating health insurance providers to offer affordable and attractive digital health care packages for different users. Guide users on the limits and scope of telemedicine, communicating which consultations are appropriate for this format and when face-to-face care is required. Provide personalized attention and seek to differentiate itself from pharmacy offices by promoting comfortable, but also specialized services.
Also read:
This is the biggest challenge for digital health in Mexico
This is how the IMSS uses telemedicine to care for children with cancer
Free Medical Diplomas to Boost Your Resume: From Using Telemedicine to Diabetes Care
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