Has the increased use of telemedicine led to medical errors?

Telemedicine has gained popularity in Ohio and elsewhere in recent years. It’s so convenient to have a video chat with your doctor when you’re not feeling well. Unfortunately, the rise in telemedicine has also caused an increase in medical errors.

Study shows greater likelihood of medical errors

Research has been done on the subject of telemedicine and how it has grown so popular over recent years to the point where it’s here to stay. However, as many more people chose to access health care through telemedicine instead of in person over the past two years, there have been more cases of medical errors and misdiagnoses.

The researchers who conducted the study stated that medical diagnoses made over telemedicine have a lot of potential, but that doctors and other health care professionals still have a lot to learn when it comes to making a definitive diagnosis virtually.

What can be done to improve telemedicine?

The study showed that there is room for improvement when it comes to telemedicine. This is important in preventing misdiagnoses, medical errors and medical malpractice as a whole. Technology needs to be tweaked so that all patients can access telemedicine when they need it. This should include those who don’t have a primary care doctor or specialist nearby.

Exploring how telemedicine can be just as good as in-person doctor visits can benefit both patients and doctors. It must be improved so that testing and evaluation can be better. Virtual diagnoses might also be more accurate when patients are provided with surveys to conduct that ask them more in-depth questions about their overall health and any symptoms they’re experiencing if they have a new medical condition.

Communication between patients and doctors must be clear and concise. Discussions about medication can help to prevent medication errors.