Telemedicine is part of a burgeoning telehealth industry which in simple terms uses electronic equipment as a major consulting and diagnostic tool within health services. The pharmaceutical industry and ANP Pharma, in particular, have been at the forefront of this electronic revolution using technology to administer and distribute medicines. Now, after the global pandemic, healthcare professionals have been employing telemedicine to consult with patients and give advice. This has imposed huge changes on health services which are likely to remain even as the threat of COVID-19 begins to recede.

What is telemedicine?

Telemedicine is the use of telecommunication technology to allow patients to access doctors and healthcare services remotely. Propelled into the spotlight during the different lockdowns imposed by COVID-19, telehealth is here to stay.

How should you prepare for a telehealth appointment?

Telemedicine services can be accessed in many different ways, it's like an in-person doctor visit only conducted at a distance which is used by a multitude of different health services and providers. Here’s how to prepare for your first telehealth visit.

• Choose a quiet room or private place where you know you won’t be interrupted. Some people have telehealth appointments at work so book a soundproofed room for around ten minutes before the appointment is due to start. The car can be a surprisingly private location if you are out and about
• Familiarise yourself with the video chat software that your doctor or healthcare professional will be using. The most common packages are FaceTime for Mac users, WhatsApp, and Skype but there are others. You can still speak to your doctor over the phone but this is more limited. Make sure the device you are using if you are video conferencing is working properly in terms of speaker and camera
• Have any relevant information that the doctor may need easily at hand. Keep a notepad on the table so you can jot down points to refer back to
• Allow enough time on either side of the appointment for the call to be running late and for the call to take longer than planned so you know you have a quiet environment and won’t be disturbed

ANP Pharma is at the forefront of the telemedicine revolution as one of the leading pharmaceutical wholesalers in the UK, supporting healthcare providers and health services in the distribution of professional pharmaceutical advice and medicines. You can learn more about telehealth and how it can benefit you on our website www.anppharm.co.uk