Pay attention during your telehealth appointment

Pay attention during your telehealth appointment


Among the changes brought about by the coronavirus pandemic is the explosion of telehealth services. Health care providers have had to shift from in-person sessions to seeing patients on a computer screen.

It’s been a learning experience for everyone. New research shows one of the biggest challenges for both patients and caregivers has been paying attention. That’s because the sessions are on computer screens, and people tend to get distracted while online.

The health care technology company DrFirst surveyed more than 1,000 people over age 18 about their telehealth experiences, and found 73% of men and 39% of women said they multitasked. Typical distractions were surfing the web, checking emails and texts; watching news or a movie; scrolling social media or playing a video game.

Many also reported drinking alcohol, driving or smoking. What a difference telehealth has made: Just imagine smoking or drinking in a doctor’s office!

In other surveys, doctors admit they, too, can be distracted. Some say they may research a symptom or something their patient just said, signaling they are not paying attention. Others say they get text messages from administrators and look away from the screen.

There are simple steps to take to correct this. If you’re on a computer, close all of the windows not related to the session. Put away your phone, take off your smartwatch. Some docs report using a notepad and pen for the first time in years because it forces them to focus.

Health workers know all too well that lapses in attention can lead to mistakes. Remember, nothing is more important at that moment than the health concerns being discussed. Those text messages can wait.

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