According to the World Health Organisation, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) means that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. It covers the full continuum of essential health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care. In the quest to achieve UHC, the integration of digital technologies has become a pivotal strategy. E-health, telemedicine and tele-health are revolutionizing the healthcare landscape, making services more accessible, efficient and patient-centric. Digital health innovations are contributing to UHC by breaking down barriers to healthcare access. This article aims at exploring the various avenues through which we can harness technology to achieve this and how we intend to do so at Ciby Care as we seek to bridge the gap between quality healthcare and children in underserved communities.
E-health encompasses a broad range of digital health tools and services, including electronic health records (EHRs), health information systems, mobile health apps and more. These technologies improve healthcare delivery by streamlining administrative processes and consequently enabling better data management, facilitating seamless communication among healthcare providers and empowering patients with access to their health information. EHRs, for example, reduce paperwork, minimise errors and enhance coordination of care. Health information systems aggregate and analyse data to inform public health decisions, track disease outbreaks and allocate resources efficiently. Mobile health apps offer patients tools for managing chronic conditions, tracking their health metrics and accessing educational resources, thus fostering greater patient engagement and self-care.
Telemedicine involves the use of telecommunications technology to provide clinical care from a distance. This modality is particularly beneficial for individuals in remote or underserved areas who may otherwise have limited access to healthcare services. Telemedicine can include real-time consultations via video conferencing as well as remote monitoring of patientIt eliminates the need for travel, thereby saving time and costs for patients. Additionally, it enables continuous monitoring and timely interventions, which can be crucial for managing chronic illnesses and preventing complications. During emergencies, telemedicine can provide critical support, ensuring that patients receive timely care even when physical access to healthcare facilities is restricted. While telemedicine focuses primarily on clinical services, tele-health encompasses a broader range of health-related services delivered through telecommunication technologies. This includes preventive care, health education administrative services and non-clinical support. Tele-health initiatives can improve public health outcomes by providing widespread access to information and resources that promote healthy behaviours and preventive care. Tele-health platforms can facilitate virtual health education sessions, support groups and wellness programs, making it easier for individuals to access information and support regardless of their location. This is especially important for reaching vulnerable populations who may face barriers to traditional healthcare services due to socioeconomic, cultural, or logistical reasons.
At Ciby Care we believe that integration of e-health, telemedicine and tele-health into healthcare systems aligns with the core principles of UHC, ensuring that all individuals, especially children in underserved communities have access to the quality and affordable health services. These digital health solutions address several key challenges to achieving UHC:
- Reducing Geographic Barriers: Digital health technologies enable healthcare delivery in remote and underserved areas, ensuring that location does not limit access to care.
- Improving Efficiency: By streamlining administrative processes and enhancing care coordination, e-health systems reduce the burden on healthcare providers and improve the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery.
- Enhancing Patient Engagement: Digital tools empower patients to take an active role in managing their health, leading to better health outcomes and increased satisfaction.
- Lowering Costs: Telemedicine and tele-health reduce the need for in-person visits, transportation, and other costs associated with traditional healthcare delivery, making care more affordable for patients and healthcare systems alike.
- Ensuring Continuity of Care: Telemedicine and remote monitoring provide continuous care for chronic conditions, reducing hospital readmissions and improving long-term health outcomes
Addressing bed capacity challenge: Telemedicine would help reduce the need for in-patient admissions at public hospitals that have faced perennial bed capacity challenges.
Looking ahead, the future of healthcare will likely see even greater integration of digital technologies. Advances in artificial intelligence and big data analytics will further enhance the capabilities of e-health, telemedicine and tele-health, making healthcare more personalised, predictive and preventive. By leveraging these digital health innovations, we can create more equitable, efficient, and patient-centred healthcare systems that ensure everyone, more so children, everywhere, has access to the care they need.