Industry Leaders Discuss Human Connection in Virtual Care

2025-03-11 transformation

Dallas, Tuesday, 11 March 2025.
Dr. Chris Gallagher of Access TeleCare highlights three strategies for effective patient-centered virtual care: maintaining professionalism, showing empathy, and taking the time to connect meaningfully.

Transforming Patient Experience Through Virtual Care

As healthcare systems continue to embrace digital transformation, Access TeleCare has emerged as a leading force in revolutionizing patient-centered virtual care delivery. The organization currently serves an extensive network of healthcare facilities, including acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, and outpatient services [1]. Their success is particularly evident in their partnership with UnityPoint Health, where they provide over 400 behavioral health consultations and 130 neurology consultations monthly across 20 regional hospitals and 400 clinics [3].

Economic Impact and Healthcare Accessibility

The implementation of virtual care solutions has demonstrated significant financial benefits for healthcare systems. UnityPoint Health reported a 300% revenue increase following the implementation of their teleStroke program, along with $1.7 million in avoided annualized boarding costs [3]. This economic efficiency aligns with broader industry trends, where virtual care options are providing cost-effective alternatives to traditional healthcare delivery methods [2]. Cigna Healthcare’s virtual care services now offer 24/7 access for various conditions, significantly reducing the need for emergency room visits [2].

Evidence-Based Virtual Care Standards

Recent research published in February 2024 has established crucial guidelines for virtual healthcare delivery, particularly in mental health services. The study revealed that 85% of reviewed articles emphasized enhancing patient experiences, while 55% focused on provider experiences and population health outcomes [5]. These findings reinforce the importance of maintaining professional standards while delivering virtual care, as emphasized in Access TeleCare’s approach to breaking through the digital barrier [1].

Future Outlook and Implementation

The healthcare industry is actively working to refine virtual care delivery through ongoing professional development and strategic initiatives. A series of educational webinars scheduled for March 2025 will address various aspects of remote patient monitoring and digital healthcare solutions [6]. These sessions aim to enhance healthcare providers’ ability to deliver effective virtual care while maintaining the essential human connection that Dr. Gallagher and his team advocate for [1].

Bronnen

telemedicine virtual care