The COVID-19 outbreak seriously threatens older individuals’ well-being and safety. Social alienation has interfered with standard medical procedures, such as access to medical treatment and long-term continuous care systems, and put communication barriers (Zhu et al., 2022). Older people who are fragile or have several chronic diseases may have difficulty adjusting to the new healthcare system, which might negatively impact their physical and emotional well-being. Therefore, in order to decrease morbidity and mortality rates in older adults and avoid a lack of communication, virtual care systems can be used in geriatric medical wards.
Schlögl and colleagues have reviewed the communication issue during the pandemic with the help of more than two hundred respondents. The majority of respondents mentioned problems with clinical interactions being rushed, not knowing how to modify communication, not having personal protection equipment, and not knowing how to adapt communication skills (Schlögl et al., 2021). The respondents additionally identified the primary communication obstacles brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic as recognizing emotions and delivering a message while wearing a mask in a precise, comprehensive, unambiguous, and consistent manner (Schlögl et al., 2021). Moreover, BPSD deteriorated over the first several months of the COVID-19 limitations, with psychosis and depression being particularly affected (Gedde et al., 2022). Research additionally indicated that the loss of loved ones and poor social activity led to higher morbidity and mortality among the elderly (Burgaña Agoües et al., 2021). Therefore, clear communication in the geriatric medical ward is impeded by the restrictions.
However, the solution to the given issue can be found in the virtual health system. The COVID-19 epidemic has expedited technological advancement and altered the way that senior care is provided in general. The assistance of weak and/or disabled, elderly people and caretakers in the community, nursing facility members, evaluation and treatment of cognitive problems, as well as other services, have all been found to benefit from virtual care (Merchant & Aprahamian, 2022). Therefore, virtual care can be advantageous for elderly hospitalized patients and emergency evaluation of patients suffering from an acute respiratory crisis
The reason why this solution is appropriate is that virtual healthcare has made it possible to offer healthcare more effectively, decrease acute hospital episodes, minimize wait times, enhance the quality of life, and successfully review polypharmacy while also being more affordable. Before COVID-19, many doctors were hesitant to use telehealth or virtual care because they believed communication might be challenging. This was believed to be so, particularly for those who have visual, hearing, or cognitive impairment, in addition to billing and physical exam issues or confidentiality problems (Merchant & Aprahamian, 2022). However, subsequent studies, such as one by Merchant and Aprahamian (2022), reveal that seniors and caregivers were generally happy (over 90% satisfaction) with virtual visits because of the reduced travel time and total cost. Therefore, virtual healthcare might be implemented, and it can be done so by installing and choosing software for proper communication and promoting these services in nursing homes or in other parts of communities.
In sum, virtual care systems can be utilized to lower morbidity and death rates among older individuals and prevent communication difficulties. Recognizing emotions and conveying a message while wearing a mask in a precise, complete, transparent, and consistent manner are the primary communication challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual health system has the answer to the problem at hand. The shorter travel distance and lower overall cost of virtual visits make seniors and their caretakers satisfied. The implementation of virtual healthcare is conceivable, and it may be accomplished by putting in place software for appropriate communication and advertising of these services.
References
Burgaña Agoües, A., Serra Gallego, M., Hernández Resa, R., Joven Llorente, B., Lloret Arabi, M., Ortiz Rodriguez, J., Puig Acebal, H., Campos Hernández, M., Caballero Ayala, I., Pavón Calero, P., Losilla Calle, M., Bueno Nieto, R., Oliver Messeguer, L., Madridejos Mora, R., Abellana Sangrà, R., & Perez-Porcuna, T. M. (2021). Risk factors for COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in institutionalized elderly people. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(19), 10221. Web.
Gedde, M. H., Husebo, B. S., Vahia, I. V., Mannseth, J., Vislapuu, M., Naik, M., & Berge, L. I. (2022). Impact of COVID-19 restrictions on behavioral and psychological symptoms in home-dwelling people with dementia: A prospective cohort study. BMJ Open, 12(1), e050628. Web.
Merchant, R. A., & Aprahamian, I. (2022). Covid-19 and virtual geriatric care. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 26, 1-4. Web.
Schlögl, M., Singler, K., Martinez-Velilla, N., Jan, S., Bischoff-Ferrari, H. A., Roller-Wirnsberger, R. E., Attier-Zmudka, J., Jones, C. A., Miot, S., & Gordon, A. L. (2021). Communication during the COVID-19 pandemic: evaluation study on self-perceived competencies and views of health care professionals. European Geriatric Medicine, 12(6), 1181–1190. Web.
Zhu, Y., Liu, Y., & Jiang, H. (2022). Geriatric health care during the COVID-19 pandemic: Managing the health crisis. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2022(17), 1365-1378. Web.