What Makes a Patient “At-risk”?
The media frequently speaks of “at-risk” population since the coronavirus pandemic began. The basic definition for the term is patients who are 65 or older, anyone living in a long-term care facility, and patients with diseases that compromise their immunity. This can be expanded to include cardiac patients, cancer patients, patients with lung disease (such as asthma and COPD), many rheumatology patients, and any patient who has been on long-term steroid treatment.
What Remote Patients Can Expect from a Telemedicine Visit
With the announcement of lowered regulation of telemedicine, the federal government also announced that Medicare patients would not pay any additional cost for being seen remotely. The appointment will either be done by audio call or a video visit. Depending on the type of illness and symptoms the patient is experiencing, and the specialty of the physician photographs may be requested for consultations regarding conditions such as a skin rash or chronic wound.
Everything from asthma and allergies to wound care and post-op can be managed through telemedicine. With technological advancements, physicians are able to set up for their patients to have the capability to remotely record vitals in their records such as blood pressure and glucose readings.
Care for the Caregiver
The high stress of a nation under quarantine is enough stress, but for the caregiver of a high-risk patient the anxiety can be amplified. Insurmountable responsibility lies on the shoulder of caregivers. The same way doctors and nurses can experience burnout, caregivers are at risk for the condition as well. Caregivers must lead by fact and reason rather than emotion during a time like this. Emotional exhaustion is a very real possibility. When a person gets emotionally tired, they can easily become physically exhausted as well. A healthy individual’s body will stop functioning properly when rest has not been achieved. This can mean lowered immunity for the caregiver as well as the patient.
Self-care is always a must for caregivers. Consideration should be given to moving an additional family member or friend into the home to assist with care until the pandemic has ended. Lack of respite and support causes many caregivers to wear down, especially if there’s other responsibilities required of the individual.
