COVID-19 has allowed the widespread adoption of communication and collaboration software to facilitate medical care at a distance, while reducing the risk of transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) between patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs). In order to maintain social distancing, the USA approach of having one or two health-care workers physically present on the ward, while other HCPs join via a collaboration software from home or other locations in the hospital, has created a digital replica of normal medical rounds. The mainstreaming of digital health tools are likely to remain long after the pandemic has resolved, with greater efficiency in care delivery and increased health care value globally.

Keywords: virtual care / communication / modernisation / digital health / COVID-19

Reference 

Schwamm LH, et al. Lancet 2020;2:E282-E285.