The coronavirus pandemic has impacted nearly every single one of us in multiple ways. From working from home to helping children do schoolwork remotely, the past year has been full of new challenges that continue today.
Additionally, COVID-19 has also presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems. To prevent the transmission of the virus, social distancing measures have been implemented across many industries, including medical offices and other buildings that provide health care. During these times, the use of telehealth has become a popular alternative to in-person visits.
What Is Telehealth?
Telehealth is a type of technology that allows patients to connect with physicians or other medical providers in real-time via phone calls or video chats. Such services essentially eliminate the need for patients to physically meet with their medical providers in person, thereby reducing the risk of transmitting or contracting COVID-19.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), telehealth can be used for the following:
- Screen patients who have symptoms of COVID-19
- Provide low-risk urgent care to patients with COVID-19
- Access medical providers for mental and behavioral health, chronic health conditions, and medication management
- Provide coaching and support for patients with chronic medical conditions
- Participate in physical therapy, cognitive therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of therapy through a hybrid-approach
- Follow up with patients after hospitalization
Can It Be Used for Brain Injury Survivors?
Brain injuries are very complex and can lead to physical, cognitive, and social deficits. As such, getting the right medical care, treatment, and rehabilitation is crucial to recovery. With the use of certain forms of telehealth, those who suffer from brain injuries have effectively treated their symptoms.
According to a Frontiers in Neurology study published in September 2020, effective cognitive rehabilitation via telemedicine can be successful when done over prolonged periods of time. When it comes to brain injuries, cognitive rehabilitation describes treatments that help a person return to their normal life activities by reducing cognitive barriers; this may include issues with:
- Social behaviors
- Safety judgment
- Completing tasks
The main methods of used cognitive rehabilitation used without the study mentioned above are:
- Telerehabilitation. This includes rehabilitation services via traditional telemedicine techniques.
- Virtual Reality. This is a computer-based, interactive, and multisensory environment that occurs in real-time and users can direct.
- Augmented Reality. This includes the overlaying of computer-generated imagery on top of real-world, see-through displays.
- Serious Games. These are digital games with the purpose of reaching a certain goal.
As a brain injury survivor, you deserve the best possible care and access to all the treatment you need to move forward with your life. At Fowler Helsel Vogt, our Fresno brain injury attorneys are dedicated to ensuring these individuals are physically, mentally, and financially taken care of so they have the best possible chances of making a full recovery.
Contact our firm at (559) 900-1280 to speak with our legal team for free today!