The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual healthcare. Telemedicine provides a convenient way to receive health care services with flexibility and accessibility.
Current literature on the use of teleophthalmology, as virtual care in ophthalmology is known, shows that this type of care is associated with clinical efficacy, patient satisfaction, and improved access to care.
However, just as with in-person visits, implementing patient-centered healthcare and maintaining confidentiality during virtual visits is essential.
Improving Privacy in Virtual Healthcare Visits
In virtual healthcare settings, maintaining privacy can be a challenge due to the lack of control over the patient’s environment. In person, healthcare providers can manage privacy by controlling the check-in process and exam room, but during virtual visits, patients may face challenges. Here are some ways to improve the privacy of virtual healthcare visits.
1. Assess the Patient’s Environment:
Ask your patient if they feel they are in a private space for the virtual visit. If they do not feel they are, suggest moving to another location or using a sound barrier such as background music or TV noise to increase privacy.
2. Offer Flexibility, When Possible:
If privacy remains a concern and your patient cannot find a suitable space, consider switching to a phone visit instead of a video visit. Phone visits are easier to conduct and allow patients the freedom to move to a car, take a walk, or find a more private location.
3. Maintain Confidentiality:
If a caregiver or anyone else is present, ask them to leave for a portion of the visit, just as you would during an in-person visit. This ensures that patients can speak freely and share information without interference.
4. Trust the Patient:
Trust your patient’s assessment of their environment. If patients say they are in a private space, respect their judgment even if you notice someone in the background or hear other voices.
Discussing the Limitations of Confidentiality
Discussing the limitations of confidentiality during virtual visits is crucial. Patients need to understand the nuances of telemedicine services. By offering strategies for comprehensive care that respect privacy and confidentiality, you can offer patients a comfortable and empowering experience that encourages them to remain engaged with their own healthcare.
