The future of healthcare apps: how videocalls are changing healthcare

The world of healthcare does not stand still, and that certainly applies to healthcare applications. What used to be possible only in the waiting room or treatment room can now be done online, for instance via video calls. Developments in online patient care are moving fast, and video calls are playing an increasingly important role. What are the advantages? And what does the future of healthcare applications look like? Let's explore.

Online patient care: convenience and reach

Online care makes life much easier for both patients and healthcare providers. Whether it is a GP consultation, physiotherapy treatment or psychological session - it can often all be done through an app or web application. Video calling takes a central place in this, as it allows direct contact without patients having to physically come to the healthcare provider. This means less travelling time, less hassle with scheduling appointments and a more accessible healthcare system.

Example applications of video calling

• Home doctor consultation: For non-acute complaints, patients can quickly and easily consult with their GP from home.
• Psychological support: Mental health sessions are increasingly taking place online. Through video, therapy can also take place effectively at a distance.
• Follow-ups and aftercare: With chronic conditions or after surgery, follow-up care is often necessary. With video calling, this can be done easily and quickly without a patient having to come to the hospital.

Benefits of video calling in healthcare

Video calling offers numerous advantages. First, it provides convenience and flexibility. Patients can contact their healthcare provider in familiar surroundings, such as their own home. This lowers the barrier to seeking care and makes people more likely to ask for help when needed. Video calling also offers a solution for people with mobility problems or who live far from their care provider.

It also ensures more efficient use of caregivers' time and resources. Appointments do not always have to be physically scheduled, and waiting times can be reduced as a consultation online can often be faster.

Security and privacy: a priority

With all the benefits also comes a big responsibility: security and privacy. Sharing medical data requires strict security and careful data management. Healthcare applications must comply with a variety of norms and standards to protect patient data, such as end-to-end encryption during image calls and strong authentication for access. This is crucial to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information.

Future developments in healthcare applications

Technology in healthcare applications is still in its infancy and will continue to develop in the coming years. Some exciting innovations on the horizon include:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) support: AI can help doctors make diagnoses or suggest treatments based on large amounts of data. Think chatbots for triage, which can already ask patients some questions and refer them before the doctor calls in.
• Virtual Reality (VR) therapy: VR enables treatments where patients find themselves in a simulated environment. This can help with anxiety disorders, trauma and rehabilitation, among others, and can even be offered remotely.
• Wearables and remote monitoring: Wearable devices allow medical data such as heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation to be sent to a healthcare provider in real-time. This makes it possible to closely monitor patients without having to be physically present.

Video calling: more than a trend

Video calling has long since ceased to be a temporary solution. It has become a fixture in the world of healthcare applications and online care. While there are certainly still challenges in terms of technology and privacy, the benefits continue to outweigh it. For patients, it means flexibility, accessibility and convenience. For healthcare providers, it offers efficiency and a new way to personally support their patients, even remotely.