SEPTEMBER 202319Digital technology in healthcare has evolved rapidly over the last couple of years. Smartphones and wearables can collect loads of health data from patients, creating mobile health (mHealth), increasing the possibilities for home therapy and monitoring. Additionally, digital (business) meetings surely took a leap during the COVID pandemic. In this article, we explore the model of digital consultation in the outpatient setting. A recent paper by Deloitte and MSD in a sample of 98 Belgian hospitals showed that only 15 percent are currently applying digital follow-up for adverse event management for their cancer patients. The Belgian government is reimbursing video consultations starting August 1, 2022. Increasing research on patient satisfaction in digital clinics is being published. A younger population of orthopedic outpatients would prefer video consultation because of commuting and time issues to communicate medical findings, such as x-ray reports or lab values. A small study in a college population being offered telepsychiatry shows patient satisfaction comparable to in-person care and a slight preference for telehealth in the future. Parents of diabetic children being offered video consultation report possibilities for a higher frequency of contact and saving time in combination with a feeling of increased confidence with respect to insulin dosing. Technical issues with internet connections were identified as the main barrier. Digital prescriptions and meeting the same diabetologist in both outpatient and telemedical care were mentioned as important improvements. Digital contacts reduce boundaries when seeking medical care. In countries with vast distances to specialized care, telemedicine can be very helpful to improve the quality of healthcare. Patient groups with reduced mobility can benefit from video consultation no matter the distance to their doctor, improving follow-up and therapy compliance with a favorable impact on health outcomes.A video consultation service is being offered by commercial players like "Mobidoctor" or "Air-dr," but the service is not well known in Belgium, is limited in service, and is usually anonymous, where most patients prefer to connect to well-trusted doctors. AXA Partners Benelux developed a platform for virtual video consultations as part of their travel insurance offer, allowing travelers to connect with medical care in Belgium. The value creation on the side of the healthcare workers lies in an increased attractivity towards patients, regardless of distance. Another important aspect of the healthcare team is increasing work efficiency, and evidence is growing FROM PHYSICAL TO DIGITAL CONSULTATIONS IN THE OUTPATIENT SETTINGBy Dr. Katrien De Ketelaere, MD, Medical Director, AZ Sint Lucas Ghent-BelgiumCXO insightsDr Katrien De Ketelaere
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