The use of telehealth peaked in 2020 during the shutdown. It has since settled down but remains a popular option, as research demonstrates that telehealth usage today is 38 times higher than it was before the pandemic. That could have a big impact on the future of healthcare.

“Digital solutions give providers more opportunity to work remotely and deliver improved personalized healthcare,” says Bob Monteverdi, Global Healthcare Solutions Leader at Lenovo Health. “With smart IT solutions, providers can track patients’ vitals and other data, as well as communicate with them directly, wherever they are.”

Here’s how hybrid and remote healthcare are revolutionizing medical operations and patient care outcomes.

Optimize Your Use of Resources

Hybrid and remote work can improve operating efficiency by allowing more providers to see more patients in a shorter span of time. Offering hybrid and remote work options can also help attract more healthcare professionals to your health system.

Remote telehealth solutions can even be incorporated on the floor of a hospital or other urgent care setting, Monteverdi says. Rather than make physical rounds, the use of innovative video technology allows nurses to monitor all of their patients in real time, leading to better health outcomes. This same technology could be applied to patients recovering in their own homes. Maintaining that line of communication after the hospital visit is over can increase the patient’s compliance.

Lean Into a Value-Based Care Model

Healthcare is trending toward a value-based care model, which rewards providers for helping their patients achieve good health outcomes. With greater access to their healthcare provider, patients can engage in more preventative care, prolonging their health rather than treating illness. Telehealth empowers that approach by increasing compliance with regularly scheduled visits.

“Patients now have better access considering they have more options,” says Mori Diaz, Senior Human Resources Business Partner at CareMax. “They can be seen at a center or opt for a telehealth visit.” Telehealth visits may be more accessible to patients, especially those from lower-income backgrounds who may not have consistent transportation or time to get to a physical appointment.

Include Patient Support Networks

Hybrid and remote telehealth solutions allow providers to tap into patients’ personal support networks among their family and friends. “Healthcare is local, and strategies have to be personalized to the patients you are treating,” Diaz says. Support networks are an essential factor for addressing the social determinants of health.

When an adult child can be brought onto the call, for example, they can help the patient create and follow a schedule for keeping up with their healthcare needs. “With proper awareness and support from family members, issues like medication adherence, exercise and diet can be better managed,” Monteverdi says.

Hybrid and remote healthcare delivery can improve your presence in your patients’ lives while supporting your workforce. Healthcare employees are looking for flexible remote work options without sacrificing the quality of the care they offer. Leaning into healthcare technology solutions and remote work can help you do both.