Workplaces are being digitised; so are doctor-patient relationships in the modern world. Long gone are the days when we walked into a hospital or booked appointments beforehand for a physical consultation with the doctor. Today, telemedicine has replaced the need to see the medical practitioner in person. A typical appointment is conducted over a video call, covering the course of action required to be taken by a patient. Because of the gradual shift in medical insurances and other medical-related facilities, telemedicine is now counted as a trusted source for prescriptions for various diseases. The remote nature of medical practice was fruitful for many during the pandemic. Also, AI, virtual, and augmented reality are been increasingly used by the defense forces for major operations or to treat injuries.
Currently, many private organisations are reimagining the physical workplace for the healthcare industry. In such a scenario, HR managers are weighing the pros and cons of working from home for front-line workers. Here is what is in favor of and against remote working in the healthcare industry:
Pros:
HRs have witnessed increased productivity with flexible working arrangements. With blurred physical geographies, the best talents have come together to work on complex issues. It has been advantageous for many since no travel time, emergency consultation, and elaborate action plans to aid patients to heal better.
Many HR managers have seen a spontaneous growth in productivity due to the renewed energy of employees with a work-from-home schedule as it allows them to work their best, eliminate burnout situations, and achieve more.
Organisations are adding to their existing talent pool through a virtual consultation. Today, a medical consultation and cost-effective billing service make for a happier (remote) workplace since it gives professional and financial flexibility to employees.
Areas to work upon:
HRs are struggling with employees battling anxiety and trust issues. Even though some consultations can happen virtually, employees are having trouble with where to start. The uncertainty around telemedicine in such cases causes anxiety in the medical practitioner, which can then reflect negatively on their productivity. Also, patients will find it hard to place their trust in the organisation in such a situation.
With the onset of a new year and continuing presence of Covid-19, returning to on-site workplaces seems a bit unlikely since healthcare workers have grown comfortable with a work-from-home schedule, successfully treating patients across geographies. HRs will now have to create new work-from-home policies, keeping not just the employees but their dependents (patients) in mind as well to reap benefits for healthcare organisations in a new virtual world.