A survey sponsored by Intel indicates that 89 percent of health care decision makers believe telehealth technology, specifically video conferencing and collaboration, will have a significant positive effect on patient care and the health care industry over the next ten years. Many survey respondents predicted that it will improve patient care as well as lower health care costs. Over two-thirds of health care professionals responding to the survey indicated they already use some form of telehealth technology in their work, with 87 percent of those claiming that they are satisfied with the experience, citing benefits of “improved patient outcomes, better doctor access to patient data and early detection of health issues.” Of those who do not currently use it, about half already have plans to begin using it within a year. However, challenges remain, including concerns about reimbursements and worry that some caregivers and patients will be reluctant to try to the new technology.

Read more about the survey study.