8 | | MARCH - 2023By Sandi Wagner, Virtual Services Director, Saint Francis Health SystemSandi WagnerIN MY OPINIONINCREASING ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTHCARE VIA TELEHEALTH Challenges Facing Today's Healthcare Industry One of the primary challenges facing the healthcare industry is the uncertainty surrounding continued virtual services. Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, many waivers were put into place allowing healthcare delivery through virtual services, using methods that will not be acceptable in the long-term. In fact, several of these temporary allowances have already been rolled back. Today's challenge is to assess for feasibility and sustainability in all virtual services according to official allowances before all the waivers expire. As many providers and patients have become comfortable with virtual services, and in many cases prefer this convenience, we must address and plan for the future now.Transforming Patient Care with Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) The use of RPM could potentially transform patient care because it allows for continuum of care while the patient is absent from the healthcare environment. Healthcare professionals can address trends and issues in real time, preventing acute episodes. Overall, patients are able to be more active and recuperate at home. Preventing acute episodes will decrease cost for patients and, ultimately, the healthcare industry by reducing the utilization burden. Patients will save because they won't have medication costs and other expenses from an acute episode. Continuous monitoring and communication with providers will increase patient satisfaction and the quality of life will be improved through decreased acute illnesses.The Role of Technology in Mitigating Staff ShortageTechnology associated with virtual care can fill many gaps caused by impossible staffing and provider
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