While healthcare organizations have primarily focused on the benefits of virtual care for patients, it is increasingly evident that telehealth can also be advantageous for the clinical workforce. Facilities across the country are experiencing several major challenges, many of which can be alleviated by implementing telemedicine solutions. Take clinician burnout as the primary example.

Unfortunately, clinician burnout is a widespread challenge that the industry continues to experience some three years after the onset of the pandemic. Approximately one-third of clinicians believe that burnout is the biggest threat to healthcare today, which is often a byproduct of chronic staffing shortages and unfavorable financial margins.

In fact, a significant number of healthcare providers (58%) report that they have lost the passion for their careers as a result of the stress that they face, according to a survey by PureSpectrum. Who can blame them when 65% of patients express that they have lost trust in medical advice in the aftermath of the pandemic? Only 15% of patients have gained more trust in medical providers. This has made providing top-quality care more challenging, as clinicians aren’t inspired to treat a population lacking confidence with patients who are resistant to seek necessary care. It’s a downward spiral.

To combat these realities, it is important to consider the benefits of digital transformation in healthcare and how telehealth fits into the equation. It’s the best way forward.

Three ways telemedicine can combat challenges within the healthcare industry

Implementing an effective telehealth strategy can help improve clinicians’ work environment, providing them with more flexibility in a fast-paced world that demands it. Some of the ways that telemedicine can help combat the challenges that currently threaten the healthcare industry include:

1. Doing more with less
   The adoption of telehealth strategies has allowed healthcare facilities to expand their reach to a wider patient population while managing their workforce more efficiently, preventing staff from becoming overwhelmed and providing patients with “care anywhere.” By utilizing telehealth, specialist support can be distributed across multiple locations, benefiting both caregivers and providers. Additionally, some healthcare providers have rolled out telepsychiatry and telehospitalist services, where a small group of clinicians provides coverage at hospitals throughout the state.
2. Serving more with fewer
   Implementing virtual visits helps clinics to reduce the problems associated with staff shortages, which is a critical and escalating national crisis. Recent findings from Elsevier indicate that nearly half of U.S. clinicians intend to leave their positions within the next few years. One crucial step in addressing this crisis is to ensure that clinicians are encouraged to explore career opportunities in virtual care if it aligns with their preferences. Another solution lies in embracing “virtual-first care” as a means to alleviate staffing shortages. This approach entails initiating the patient’s care journey with telemedicine and allows healthcare organizations to leverage technology to efficiently assess the patient’s needs before determining the most appropriate care setting — whether it be virtual, in-person, or a combination of both. This not only streamlines care delivery, but also enhances access to healthcare services.
3. Improving clinician career satisfaction
   Given the fact that approximately 29% of clinicians report a lack of flexibility as being a major hindrance to their own performance, it is important to recognize that telemedicine provides facilities with the ability to be more flexible by being able to provide care anywhere. This flexibility in their work environment enhances provider satisfaction, enabling clinicians to be more available for their patients, intervene promptly when necessary, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes. Moreover, the option to work from home provides a valuable advantage of retaining experienced clinicians in the workforce for an extended period. The flexibility offered by remote work can contribute to the longevity of their careers, ensuring their valuable expertise and skills continue to benefit patients and the larger healthcare system.

To fully reap the benefits of telemedicine, it is crucial to provide comprehensive education to both staff and patients. Clinicians, doctors, and other medical care providers should all be trained on telehealth software — its functionality, integration into their workflow, effective communication during consultations, and where to seek technical assistance. They should also be equipped to address patient concerns about virtual visits. The importance of virtual care training is emphasized by 76% of clinicians, who believe it should be a fundamental skill taught in medical schools and advanced nursing programs.

When clinicians are well-educated and proficient in using telehealth platforms through practice sessions, potential errors during patient interactions can be minimized, leading to an enhanced patient experience. By fostering open communication and setting realistic expectations with patients, the potential disconnect associated with virtual experiences can be minimized, resulting in improved outcomes for both clinicians and the patients they serve.

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