What is the impact of telehealth on patient wait times in emergency departments?

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Telehealth has transformed the way healthcare is delivered, particularly in emergency settings. By allowing patients to receive care remotely, telehealth effectively reduces the number of individuals physically present in the emergency department (ED). This decrease in foot traffic can alleviate congestion, enabling faster access for those who do require in-person emergency services.

Through telehealth, patients can receive initial consultations, triage, and follow-up care from the safety and comfort of their homes, which means that non-urgent cases can be managed without occupying physical space in the ED. As a result, those with urgent needs can be treated more promptly. This aspect of telehealth is particularly beneficial in high-demand situations or during periods of increased patient load, as it streamlines the care process and enhances overall efficiency in emergency departments.

The modern healthcare landscape, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen an accelerated implementation of telehealth services, affirming its role as a critical access point for patients that helps reduce the burden on emergency services.

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