As we venture into 2024, the healthcare landscape continues to undergo a significant transformation, a large driver being the rapid adoption of telemedicine. This digital revolution has not only reshaped the way healthcare is delivered but has also broadened the scope and role of healthcare providers. While telemedicine is not a new practice it will become increasingly more prevalent and will continue this trajectory as we enter 2024. One key player in this transformative journey is the advanced practice provider (APP). Let’s explore the critical role that APPs can play, and the benefits of their participation, in telemedicine in 2024.
Telemedicine has been steadily on the rise for several years, but the COVID-19 pandemic catapulted it into the mainstream. Telehealth has become a positive strategy in the delivery of primary and acute care and, in 2024, telemedicine will become integral as the population continues to age. In 2021, the percentage of adults who used telemedicine increased with age and was markedly higher in elderly patients, from 29.4% among adults aged 18–29 to 43.3% among adults aged 65 and over (National Center for Health Statistics, National Health Interview Survey, 2021). Patients and providers alike have recognized the convenience, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of remote healthcare services. As telemedicine's prominence grows, so does the role of APPs within this evolving ecosystem.
One of the primary roles of APPs in telemedicine is to expand access to care. Telemedicine enables healthcare providers to reach patients in remote or underserved areas, helping bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare. Advanced practice providers can diagnose and treat a wide range of common conditions through virtual consultations, making quality healthcare accessible to those who might otherwise struggle to obtain it. A valuable example of this can be seen with the Connected Care programs from The U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA). In 2020 the award-winning VA programs reported all-time-high usage of video telehealth appointments between Veterans and their VA health care providers. Employing this technology allowed the VA to provide safe, quality care to more veterans where they needed it most, in fact, they saw a 1000% increase in video visits, representing an increase from 10,000 to over 127,000 per week.1 While this took place during a particularly trying time for healthcare delivery, it does support the idea that effective care can be delivered digitally and allow for an increase in patients seen.
In 2024, the management of chronic conditions through telemedicine will become increasingly more common. APPs play a pivotal role in this aspect of telehealth, working closely with patients to develop personalized care plans and monitor their progress remotely. Whether it's diabetes, hypertension, or mental health conditions, APPs can use telemedicine platforms to provide ongoing support and ensure that patients are on the right track.
Primary care is a fundamental component of healthcare, and APPs excel in this area. With telemedicine, they can provide a wide range of primary care services, including conducting virtual physical exams, diagnosing common illnesses, and prescribing medications. This allows patients to receive timely care without leaving their homes, reducing the burden on primary care physicians.
Telemedicine encourages collaboration among healthcare professionals, and APPs are an essential part of this collaborative approach. They work closely with physicians, nurses, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care to patients. Through virtual meetings and consultations, they share their expertise and contribute to well-rounded treatment plans.
Through telemedicine, specialists can serve more patients, in turn, impacting shortages or higher demand needs. For example, post-pandemic we continue to see an elevated rise in mental health and substance use services delivered by telehealth. March 2021 – August 2021 represented a 36% increase in these virtual visits compared to September 2019 – February 2020. (KFF and Epic Research analysis of Cosmos data)
In 2024, telemedicine is not just about diagnosing and treating illnesses but also about empowering patients to take control of their health. APPs play a significant role in patient education, helping individuals understand their conditions, medications, and treatment plans. They also promote healthy lifestyle choices and disease prevention strategies. An example is the impact Psych Mental Health telemedicine can help patients seek care, where prior to the option of virtual visits, the stigma of seeking mental health may have deterred their care. By offering specialized services, systems are helping to remove barriers and empowering more patients to seek the healthcare they need.
By offering the ability for patients to seek treatment or clinical services more readily, patients are often diagnosed or treated earlier. This results in better patient outcomes or reduced complications down the road, depending on the treatment course. This more rapid treatment decreases the reliance on emergency visits or high-cost hospital visits, effectively reducing the cost of care in certain areas and treatment plans.
While the integration of advanced practice providers into telemedicine offers numerous benefits, it also comes with its share of challenges and considerations. These include:
The role of advanced practice providers has expanded and diversified, benefiting healthcare providers, their employers, and patients. The demand for APPs in practice continues to expand and is not showing any signs of stagnation. Systems should focus on how they can satisfy the demand and need for APPs in practice, while strategizing on how to better leverage these essential workers in innovative areas, like telemedicine. APPs are at the forefront of delivering quality care, expanding access to healthcare, and empowering patients to take control of their health and as telemedicine continues to evolve, advanced practice providers will play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery. Their expertise, versatility, and dedication are driving the transformation of the healthcare landscape, ultimately improving the well-being of individuals and communities.
The growing demand for NPs and PAs reflects the evolving patient care landscape, physician shortages in some areas, regulatory changes, and the emphasis on collaborative care. As healthcare organizations seek to meet increasing patient needs, attracting and retaining these advanced practice providers is paramount. By offering competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, a collaborative work environment, work-life balance, recognition and support, leveraging technological advancements and quality onboarding will empower healthcare facilities to position themselves as desirable destinations for NPs and PAs, ultimately enhancing patient care and organizational success.
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