How Virtual Care Supports Your Health and the Planet

Healthcare is constantly evolving, and not just in the types of treatments being offered to patients. How, when, and where care is delivered have seen major shifts in recent years, with an increase in virtual healthcare visits and more streamlined scheduling practices. This article will examine the benefits of practices such as virtual visits and smarter scheduling on both patient outcomes and the environment.

Healthcare utilization contributes to environmental change through the generation of greenhouse gases, waste products, and pollution. This, in turn, adversely impacts digestive health, with newer research pointing to a link between environmental change and the incidence of cancer and inflammatory diseases. Making care more convenient isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s an essential part of a modern, patient-centered, and environmentally conscious healthcare system.

The Rise of Virtual Care

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped many parts of our lives, but perhaps one of the most impactful was the shift in how we access healthcare. Virtual health care has evolved from a niche offering to a standard option at many healthcare facilities worldwide. For many patients, this has been a welcome change from having to attend appointments in person. It’s convenient, just as effective as in-person care, and often a more comfortable way to connect with your care team.

Why Virtual Visits Work

The shift to virtual care has shown that phone and video appointments can be a viable option for a range of appointment types, including follow-up visits, prescription refills, and reviewing test results. They save time, eliminate transportation hassles, and make it easier to fit healthcare into busy schedules, especially for individuals juggling work or caregiving responsibilities. Research has shown that telemedicine improves patient outcomes by helping overcome geographical barriers and improving patient engagement and satisfaction with care.

Specifically, for people living with gastrointestinal conditions like IBS or IBD, where symptoms can be unpredictable, being able to talk with their doctor from the comfort of home can ease the anxiety of needing to find a washroom while out and about or sitting through a long commute.

Impact on the Environment

Virtual care doesn’t just benefit patients; it’s also better for the planet. Increasing the availability of virtual visits and scheduling multiple procedures on the same day is better for both patients and the environment. If every patient skipped just one unnecessary in-person appointment each year, imagine the cumulative impact it could have: less driving, fewer emissions, and a greener healthcare system.

While virtual care isn’t a substitute for every type of visit, like physical exams or procedures, it can be a smart choice in many situations. Overall, virtual care offers a flexible, patient-centered approach to healthcare, especially for those managing chronic conditions. When appropriate, choosing a virtual visit can save you time, reduce stress, and help protect the environment.