It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way healthcare is provided to patients. More options have become available as a result and even though change is difficult sometimes, St. Elizabeth is embracing the future of healthcare by dedicating its resources to expanding Virtual Health services.
Tammy Bowen, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, a Virtual Health APRN for St. Elizabeth Physicians says the new virtual health offerings did not come without challenges. “The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic ushered in unprecedented changes in the healthcare landscape. Despite the challenges, healthcare needs persisted even when in-person visits were not possible. Video visits are a vital component of telehealth and it emerged as a means to reach a broader patient base,” said Bowen.
Continuing Virtual Care after the COVID-19 Pandemic
In the world post-COVID-19, healthcare professionals have found new ways to expand this style of medical treatment to reach more and more people. “It’s not solely a response to COVID-19; it addresses the needs of people who live far away from our offices, have transportation issues, or have specific times that they need an appointment,” said Bowen.
With the ability to see patients in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, St. Elizabeth has opened a door for thousands of patients to receive care. “Initially, our goal was to ensure that people could still receive adequate care during the pandemic. However, we recognized that this service could be a game-changer, regardless of whether patients had an established primary care provider,” said Bowen. “While not all illnesses are suitable for video visits, they can serve as a valuable tool in managing a patient’s overall healthcare.”
According to Bowen, Virtual Health visits are great for both chronic and acute conditions. Healthcare providers can see the patient and address most issues they may be having, on the patient’s schedule.“By extending our availability to 10 p.m. and offering weekend hours, we’re widening our reach to cater to those who may not have been able to seek care otherwise. This particularly benefits working individuals, students, and those with school-aged children.”
Overwhelmingly Positive Feedback
The feedback from both patients and St. Elizabeth staff has been overwhelmingly positive according to Bowen. “Patients have expressed appreciation for the convenience and comfort of receiving care from their own homes. Many have shared how video visits have helped them to access care when they might otherwise have been unable to. Our providers find it really gratifying to offer care to those who might not have had access otherwise, especially for elderly patients with mobility issues.”
Some patients may worry that Virtual Health visits aren’t the same but with a team of fully licensed Nurse Practitioners, Bowen said Virtual Health patients receive the highest quality of care in a very secure manner. “Patient confidentiality is of the utmost importance. We use a secure network for all video visits, and our providers are required to have a safe and secure area from which they conduct these visits. This ensures that all our patients’ privacy is well-protected.”
What’s next for Virtual Health?
Expanding Virtual Health Visits in Northern Kentucky schools is a big focus for St. Elizabeth currently. “We’re already utilizing digital diagnostic tools to assess conditions such as ear infections. As technology continues to advance, we anticipate more patients will have access to these tools, further integrating virtual health into our regular care. The future of video visits is exciting in terms of making care accessible and providing timely care for a broader population. This initiative isn’t just about convenience; it’s about making healthcare more accessible and patient-centered.”
Andrew Bradford, MBA, LSSBB, Director of Virtual Health, and Sara Browne, Director of Nursing – Virtual Health shared more insights about what is on the horizon for St. Elizabeth’s Virtual Health offerings.
“The future of video visits will offer expanded hours…maybe eventually 24/7 access. St. Elizabeth is continuing to move toward making connecting easier for the patients and providers. We plan to expand access for patients when traveling so they can stay connected with their St Elizabeth Provider,” Bradford said.
“We are always planning to push forward with new and innovative ways to deliver care to patients. focusing on how to prevent chronic illness, and make high-quality care easier and simpler to receive,” Browne said. “We will be working towards proactive solutions to keep people healthy versus treating them when they are sick. More to come in the future.”
To learn more about Virtual Health and schedule an appointment today, click here.
