Hello, welcome back to my blog. I'm Adoración Linares, and this time I want to talk about the benefits of online medical consultations.
In my case, they are nutrition consultations, and although I still have in-person consultations in Granada and Adra (Almería), it is true that online consultations offer a number of benefits.
Thanks to the great advances in communication technologies, today anyone with a computer, a mobile device and an internet connection can hold a video conference and therefore access a professional and personalized consultation.
Changes caused by the coronavirus in the health sector
In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way healthcare is delivered in medical practices.
To reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to other patients or healthcare staff, many appointments are being postponed, such as annual checkups and nutrition consultations. Where possible, in-person visits are also being replaced with online appointments.
On the other hand, many patients tend to avoid in-person medical visits because they don't want to go to the doctor's office unless absolutely necessary. This way, they minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection.
It is also important to consider the multiple changes that occur in the recommendations provided by health authorities, which restrict travel and non-essential services depending on the evolution of the pandemic.
Many healthcare professionals (myself included) have prepared ourselves to be able to conduct our consultations without the patient having to travel from their home to our facilities.
That doesn't mean I've stopped providing personal care; I continue to do so from Adra and Granada, with all the necessary safety guarantees and respecting all the established protocols for protection against the coronavirus.
How do I conduct video call sessions?
Generally, once you contact me by email or phone, we'll schedule an initial consultation. During this first appointment, we'll conduct a nutritional assessment.
In this first meeting, the most important thing is to gather more information about your health and eating habits through a series of questions. This will help me design a suitable and personalized nutrition plan for you.
We will monitor progress through follow-up video call sessions. All the practical aspects necessary for implementing the plan will be covered in the first video conference.
In any case, online medical consultations are here to stay, as they offer some advantages over traditional face-to-face consultations.
The main benefits of online nutrition consultations are:
- Personalized diet, without leaving home!
When we search for diets online, we find a large number of results, which, in no case that I know of, are adapted to the nutritional needs of each person.
These are standard weight-loss diets that cannot be personalized. Without a preliminary analysis and diagnosis of your current situation, it's impossible for this type of diet to perfectly match your body's exact needs.
Thanks to online consultations with your nutritionist, you can learn exactly how to achieve your health goals, as the treatment is personalized according to your initial situation and the eating and activity routine you follow on a daily basis.
- Without leaving home
With in-person appointments, every time we go to the doctor, we have to travel. If we think about traffic, the cost of gas, the waiting time if we go by bus… attending a medical appointment takes time and costs money.
Furthermore, those who live in remote areas, or even people who suffer from conditions that reduce their mobility, have more difficulties attending medical appointments, specifically with specialists.
Accessing advice from a nutritionist online eliminates the need for people living in more remote areas, or who have to travel long distances on bad roads to the nearest town or city to receive medical care.
When using online medical consultations, we have access to top medical specialists offering these services, all from the comfort of our homes. We have access to a wide range of experienced and highly trained medical professionals without the need to travel.
Similarly, some people travel frequently for work. In that case, they may often find themselves far from their doctor. Since online medical consultations can be accessed from anywhere, it's possible to consult a trusted medical specialist, even if they are far away.
- Nutrition treatments with personalized goals
As a nutritionist offering online consultations, I not only help you with dietary plans, but I also help you set the right goals—smart objectives that perfectly match what you can achieve.
Having goals on our journey to find the healthy lifestyle we're looking for is essential. Seeing ourselves achieve our goals provides enormous satisfaction and gives an extra boost to our motivation to keep going.
Once we understand your situation and the goals you want to achieve, we'll set realistic yet achievable objectives. We'll periodically check if they're being met and adjust them as needed based on your progress.
- Very fast nutritional support
You don't have to wait your turn at the clinic. With this online consultation option, you simply choose a time, and I'll be there to assist you. I typically use Zoom video conferencing.
- Anonymity
Some people are genuinely shy and feel uncomfortable attending in-person medical appointments. Shyness is a concern for many, especially when it comes to discussing sensitive topics.
An online consultation greatly reduces inhibitions when sharing our experiences. People can feel more comfortable talking about their problems while maintaining a degree of anonymity.
I hope you found the article interesting. For any questions or information you need, please contact me. I'd be happy to assist you in person or via video conference, whichever is more convenient for you.
Greetings and see you soon.
