GLOBAL CHALLENGES

Virtual Health Care May Be Better Than In-Office Visits

Rebecca Kutzer-Rice | Date: 03-25-11 | Comments

A five-year study of HIV patients found a telehealth system, including a virtual pharmacy and community forums, to be as effective as in-office visits to the doctor. The study could mean increased virtual health care and cheaper medical costs around the world, especially for high-maintenance chronic illnesses such as HIV.

From autonomous robotic surgeries to advanced computerized diagnoses, many recent technological breakthroughs have benefited the medical industry and the patients it serves. Now, results from a five-year study have revealed an exciting conclusion: Virtual check-ups can be just as effective as, if not more than, in-office visits to the doctor.

In the study, a group of Barcelona-based physicians successfully treated 200 HIV patients via an online home care system called "Virtual Hospital." The technology covers all aspects of managing the health of chronic HIV-infected patients, who require frequent and careful care. This month, PLoS One published the results, which found telehealth to be as effective as in-office visits.

In Virtual Hospital, patients undergo virtual consultations, during which they meet one-on-one with doctors, nurses, psychologists and social workers. They can connect either by video appointments or via email for spontaneous questions or concerns. Patients also have access to a telepharmacy, which provides information about prescriptions and mails medications by standard post.

The secure telehealth system, called Virtual Hospital, allows patients to meet with doctors, learn about their medications and communicate with others undergoing treatment. (Source: Virtual Hospital)

For both patients and staff, Virtual Hospital includes an online library, which is stocked with the newest information about HIV/AIDS, medications and innovations. While Internet searches oftentimes overwhelm patients with excess or even false information, the library is carefully honed for accuracy and relevancy.

The system provides a virtual community for both patients and health care professionals. Using forums and blogs, participants can meet others, exchange ideas and share personal stories.

By supplying a sense of community and accurate information, Virtual Hospital already offers several advantages over traditional health care, in which patients are often quickly treated during fast appointments. It also saves money by reducing commuting time and allowing patients to make appointments during convenient times.

"The study shows that the virtual hospital allows comprehensive control over the patient in medical, pharmaceutical, psychological and quality of life aspects," the hospital reported. "The results are as satisfactory as those obtained in a visit at the hospital."

The program has far-reaching implications for the promising future of telehealth, especially for patients with chronic but manageable diseases, like HIV, heart disease and diabetes. According to the CDC, nearly 700,000 Americans are currently living with HIV, which requires constant medical care. Telehealth could reduce the health care costs of these patients, while providing them with more reliable care.

"Virtual Hospital is a feasible and safe tool for the multidisciplinary home care of chronic HIV patients," the researchers reported. "Telemedicine should be considered as an appropriate support service for the management of chronic HIV infection."
Involved in the study were Dr. Felipe Garcia and Dr. Agata Le�n, from the Hospital Cl�nic of Barcelona's Service of Infectious Diseases. A team from the Universidad Polit�cnica de Madrid, led by professors Enrique J. G�mez and C�sar C�ceres, helped create the virtual system.