‘We have used telemedicine for a long time. For some, it was a convenience because they did not have to come to the clinic; for others, it simply meant using new technologies,’ says Prof. Piotr H. Skarżyński in an interview with ‘Super Express’ about the pandemic’s effect on the digital revolution for patients, including telemedicine’s development.
‘For most people, it has now become a useful tool for following treatment recommendations before and after surgery. Doctors also faced a major challenge in adapting to a somewhat different way of working. Contrary to appearances, a remote consultation is more difficult and takes longer than a traditional face-to-face appointment. We cannot examine the patient, lack access to some tests, and questions come not only from the patient but also from family members listening to the call, which extends the meeting. It requires proper preparation. However, the National Health Fund’s reduction in payment rates for remote consultations discourages us from introducing changes,’ he explains.
Asked which medical fields offer the greatest potential for remote consultations, the Professor identifies every field that requires monitoring after surgery.
‘It can be any surgical specialty, within limits, of course. It also includes fields requiring rehabilitation, such as otolaryngology or neurology, where patients need a gradual return to normal functioning. At the other end are urgent situations, mainly in internal medicine, cardiology and paediatrics,’ he adds.
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