What after the pandemic? Is an influx of patients expected?

Photo by: Markus Winkler

The global pandemic that took the world by surprise in 2020 is continuing today. There is a very realistic expectation that the global vaccination effort will bring the pandemic under the control. However, there are quite a lot of uncertainties about the long-term effects of the pandemic. One of them is the potential increase in patients. In this article, we are going to take a look at the potential influx of patients after the pandemic and how it can be solved. Furthermore, we are going to take a look at global health organizations and their insight and possible predictions.

The possible scenarios

The first possible scenario is probably the most worrisome. If we do not gain rapid control of the pandemic we might have to face regular and ongoing manifestations of severe diseases combined with the infection. The main solution to this problem is of course vaccination and long-term herd immunity. A very large application of vaccines all over the world is needed to avoid a future influx of patients. Furthermore, comprehensive disease surveillance by accurate diagnostics is necessary.

The second scenario involves the pandemic slowly easing into a seasonal disease such as influenza. However, this does not necessarily mean no patient influx. Progress needs to be made in maintaining and keeping safety measures until proper immunity and protection are made worldwide. Even if the virus ends up being just a seasonal virus, it still means new patients. Therefore, monitoring each future development is important.

In the third potential scenario, the pandemic shifts into an endemic disease that has a much lower disease impact from today. However, true empirical data and more research are needed to confirm this possibility. Regardless of the scenario, the importance of being ready and prepared is now clearer than ever. The pandemic has also shown the importance of global cooperation.

The post-pandemic treatments

The global pandemic impacted everyone. While some of the previously existing chronic conditions got worse, so did disease prevention. Many screenings and regular tests had to be delayed due to the enormous influx of patients. Furthermore, a great number of people are now facing troubling times and worsening mental health issues to the pandemic. A very minor but important recent American Dental Association survey found that around 70% of member dentists reported an increase in patients' teeth grinding and clenching. While this may not seem like such a big deal, it is only one of many stress-related conditions that are going to be present post-pandemic. Therefore, the treatments after the pandemic need to be efficient and effective.

What are some of the main problems with the potential influx of patients? Firstly, it is hard to determine whether health care around the world has the necessary means to cover an influx. Without proper investments and measures are taken, the scenario of 2020 in which the world was taken by surprise could happen again. Secondly, a new patient influx means the inability to take care of the regular patients by providing the necessary treatments, regular screenings, etc. Thirdly, a patient influx could worsen or cause another pandemic. As we can see, these are all some of the main problems and concerns related to a possibility of a patient influx after the pandemic. How we approach these concerns and potential problems could prove crucial.

The need for innovation and efficiency

Regardless of whether the pandemic ends soon or lasts for a while, the world needs to be ready for a potential influx of patients. As of right now, whether there will be an influx is only mere speculation. Furthermore, after a recent survey by Patient-Led Research Collaborative(PLRC), out of 3,762 long Covid patients, 77% still experienced certain fatigue symptoms after a six-month period. Why is this data important for the future? Well, post-pandemic check-ups, treatments, regular testings, etc. are all going to be needed. This means that new, innovative ways are required to perform certain basic examinations and treatments. How can this exactly be achieved? Let us take a further look.

The constant technological development has brought some new, effective platforms which have the ability to provide patients with essential health care services. These new platforms have come in the form of telemedicine which is slowly expanding and being used globally. Telemedicine is the remote delivery of healthcare services. These services can include exams, consultations, etc. With these new innovative services, global health care systems can have a much-needed breathing space during an influx of patients. This exact scenario was seen at the beginning of the 2020 pandemic.

The important role of telemedicine for the potential of the post-pandemic patient influx

Telemedicine, as mentioned above, provided great relief and alternative health care during the main stages of the pandemic of 2020. Now, more and more people, both patient and doctor alike are seeing the potential of future use of telemedicine. Telemedicine can essentially be classified into three main categories. These are the following:

1. Interactive telemedicine,
2. Remote patient monitoring,
3. Store-and-forward.

As the evolution of telemedicine continues, so do the telemedicine services.

How exactly can telemedicine help with a potential influx? Well, for starters, it can enable real-time doctor-patient communication remotely. This will prove essential in any potential scenario where there is a large influx of patients. The clinicians are able to access their patient's records easily and track their treatments, health situation, appointments, etc. The patients, on the other hand, have the ability to access essential health care services from the comfort of their homes. No lines, no busy waiting rooms, and instant access to health care are all of the things telemedicine strives to accomplish. Through its use of proactive solutions and quality services, it can ease any potential influx of patients in the future after the pandemic.

In summary

To sum up this article, there is a real potential for a patient influx after the pandemic. Whether it is due to chronic diseases and their delayed treatments, screenings, and preventions, or the continuation of the virus, the world needs to be prepared for a potential patient influx. Taking innovative solutions and ensuring global corporation and coordination are the best methods for stopping a potential patient influx in the future.