Healthcare in the digital age: the rise of tele-health

Tele-health is transforming the way that individuals access healthcare across the world - but how could your company - and your employees - benefit from it?

What is tele-health?

In short, tele-health, also known as tele-medicine, utilizes telecommunications technology to facilitate the real-time and remote delivery of medical diagnoses and treatments to patients.

As digital penetration continues its upwards trajectory, tele-health is gaining immense popularity among healthcare providers. The Covid-19 pandemic served as one of the major catalysts for this trend, as face-to-face consultations were severely restricted, making alternative methods of seeking medical guidance all the more necessary.

How does it work?

While the use cases of tele-health may vary among healthcare providers, at GulfCare, our mission is to make healthcare as easy and accessible as possible.

That’s why we’ve partnered with TruDoc, the global telemedicine specialist, to offer remote care solutions to businesses across the GCC. This means that, when you incorporate tele-health services into your plan, your employees can access licensed medical practitioners anywhere, at any time, through our mobile app.

Through the app, employees can easily arrange medical or therapist consultations at whatever time suits their schedule. These consultations can be conducted via toll-free phone calls or video calls. In non-emergency situations, employees can receive a diagnosis, undergo triage, and even access medication and prescription delivery. Alternatively, they can receive a referral that enables them to book an appointment with their preferred provider and receive treatment at the most suitable hospital or clinic.

This service means that your employees can access thorough yet efficient healthcare services, simply and quickly.

How can tele-health help your business to thrive?

Tele-health services are more than just a staff perk - they can also be a crucial tool for optimizing your employees’ physical and mental well-being.

Here are the three key reasons that you should consider incorporating tele-health services into your corporate healthcare plan:

1. Convenience

Thanks to tele-health's centralized records, employees can access medical practitioners from anywhere, making it convenient for those who work remotely or travel frequently for work. They can easily and quickly arrange appointments at a time that suits them and receive medical attention as soon as possible.

They can also provide preventative care measures within corporate environments, such as on-site wellness and mental health consultations, plus nutrition and fitness plans. In addition, they can also support the delivery of medication and prescriptions. This enhanced flexibility can help to prevent medical concerns before they escalate.

2. Improved health equity

Telehealth services have the potential to enhance access to healthcare and address health disparities in ways that traditional face-to-face appointments cannot. Unfortunately, challenges like language barriers, cultural differences, and transportation difficulties can make it more difficult for individuals to obtain proper diagnoses and follow-up care. However, by utilizing telehealth services, individuals gain access to a diverse pool of multilingual specialists who can better cater to their specific needs. This not only instills confidence and security in their healthcare providers but also promotes the use of preventative services among your employees.

In addition, the inclusion of services like the Hospital at Home® Program ensures the delivery of high-quality care and round-the-clock monitoring for both chronic and acute conditions, all from the convenience of a patient's own home. TruDoc's remote Doctor Call Center uses smart tele-monitoring devices to consistently track and monitor vital signs. Doctors and nurses are even available 24/7 to conduct home visits - a feature that is particularly beneficial for employees who experience health issues that impede their mobility and independence, ensuring they can also receive premium care.

3. More cost-effective for businesses

Tele-health services, such as those provided by GulfCare, can also mean better value for your company. This is because providing virtual care for preventative, acute, and chronic conditions helps to reduce rates of sick leave and absenteeism within an organization.

However, one of its most significant advantages lies in its utilization of evidence-based medicine and 24/7 early intervention services, leading to substantial savings on unnecessary healthcare expenses. This approach effectively manages inpatient costs by minimizing hospital stays and extending care at home.

In this respect, tele-health services can be well worth the investment - not just for the overall well-being of your employees, but also for the financial well-being of your company.

About GulfCare

GulfCare is a leading provider of corporate healthcare in the UAE and throughout the GCC. Our plans are fully customizable, to better meet the unique requirements of your business.

We have partnered with TruDoc to provide our clients with premium, 24/7 tele-health services. From preventative measures to chronic illness care and monitoring, your employees can benefit from access to specialized doctors who practice evidence-based medicine modeled on NHS guidelines. So, wherever - and whenever - your employees are, they can benefit from quality care that is tailored to their needs.

To learn more about GulfCare, and to receive a complimentary quote, please get in touch today.