3 Benefits of Asynchronous Telehealth, and a Pitfall to Avoid.
April 03, 2023 — Communication in healthcare is important for efficiency and good outcomes. Asynchronous telehealth is not new, but it has recently become increasingly popular because of the possible benefits in efficiency and productivity. In this article, I’m going to discuss how asynchronous telehealth can make providers more productive, improve documentation, and make healthcare more inclusive. We already use asynchronous communication in many aspects of our lives; why not in healthcare?
Nevertheless, we must consider that asynchronous communication can create a vicious cycle of reactive work and unproductivity if not managed properly. This possible pitfall must be considered when designing an asynchronous telehealth program.
First, asynchronous telehealth can be defined as the provision of healthcare services remotely, without the need for real-time interaction. It doesn't require an immediate response. Examples include email, text messages, pictures, audio files, or video files. Unlike synchronous communication, such as phone calls or video conferences, there's no need for both parties to be available at the same time for the communication to take place.
Let's take a look at 3 benefits of asynchronous telehealth:
Increased Productivity
Flexibility: Asynchronous telehealth allows providers to respond to messages and tasks at their convenience, reducing interruptions and helping them prioritize their work effectively.
Efficiency: With asynchronous telehealth, providers can review and respond to messages and tasks at their own pace, reducing the time spent on real-time communication like phone calls or video conferences. This allows providers to focus on patient care and other crucial tasks.
Better Patient Engagement: Asynchronous telehealth improves patient engagement by providing a convenient and accessible way to communicate with their provider. Patients feel more comfortable communicating through text or email, allowing them to ask questions or share concerns easily.
Better Documentation
Record of Communication: Asynchronous telehealth provides a record of all communications between providers and patients, which can be saved in the patient's electronic health record (EHR).
Reduced Errors: Asynchronous telehealth helps reduce errors by providing a clear and concise record of all communications, reducing the risk of miscommunications, misunderstandings, or forgotten details that can occur with verbal communication.
Improved Efficiency: Asynchronous telehealth improves efficiency by reducing the time spent on documentation. Providers can easily copy and paste messages and responses into the patient's EHR, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.
Accessible Documentation: Asynchronous telehealth provides accessible documentation that can be easily accessed by providers and patients. Patients can review communication with their provider at any time, improving their engagement and understanding of their care.
More Inclusive
Increased Access: Asynchronous telehealth helps increase access to care for patients who may have difficulty accessing in-person care. Patients can communicate with their provider at a time that is convenient for them, without having to take time off work or travel to a healthcare facility. This is particularly beneficial for patients who live in rural or remote areas.
Language Barriers: Asynchronous telehealth helps address language barriers by providing patients with the ability to communicate in their preferred language. Providers can use translation services or provide written communication that can be translated by the patient.
Accessibility: Asynchronous telehealth improves accessibility for patients with disabilities. Providers can use technologies such as screen readers or voice recognition software to facilitate communication with patients who may have visual or hearing impairments.
Cultural Competency: Asynchronous telehealth improves cultural competency by providing patients with a way to communicate with their provider that is consistent with their cultural values and beliefs. This can improve patient satisfaction and trust in their provider.
A Possible Disadvantage of Asynchronous Telehealth
If you work in the healthcare sector, you're likely aware that the system moves quickly and demands immediate action. However, if asynchronous telehealth is not managed properly, it can create a vicious cycle of reactive work and unproductivity. Because it lacks real-time interaction, delays in communication can lead to a backlog of messages and tasks for providers. As a result, providers may find themselves constantly reacting to messages and tasks, without enough time to focus on more pressing matters that require their attention. Additionally, asynchronous telehealth can increase the workload for providers in terms of documentation and administrative tasks, which can be time-consuming and detract from time spent on patient care. These factors can ultimately lead to decreased job satisfaction and decreased productivity.
To avoid these difficulties, providers should establish clear communication protocols and set expectations for response times. However, the challenge lies not only in setting standardized rules and expectations, but also in enforcing them. Providers should prioritize messages and tasks, addressing urgent matters first. By managing asynchronous telehealth effectively, providers can maximize productivity and provide better care for their patients.
Conclusion
Asynchronous telehealth can be beneficial for healthcare providers by increasing productivity, improving documentation, decreasing barriers to access and creating more inclusivity. However, if an asynchronous telehealth program is not properly managed, it can create a vicious cycle of reactive work and unproductivity for providers, and this must be considered when designing an asynchronous telehealth program.
