By Leo Cora
Today it would seem that the world, and indeed our lives within it, has gone “Virtual”. Or at least large parts of the world have, and it has dragged our lives along with it. The word’s origins stem from ancient Latin, and looking at the word as an adjective it means “In effect” or “As good as”.
Many people have allowed their lives to become saturated by virtual reality, existing as an alter ego in a virtual world far and away removed from reality. This could be seen as somewhat sinister, but, for the most part, it is nothing more than innocent escapism.
Prior to the Covid 19 pandemic the virtual world existed mostly for the purposes of entertainment. Gaming companies clamored to create ever more realistic virtual backdrops within which anyone could be whoever, or whatever, they wished to be. As people found themselves in lockdown in their homes, the thirst for a virtual experience grew, with the giant corporates only to happy to quench that thirst.
But now the Covid 19 pandemic has brought a parallel life to the virtual world. One that is not driven by corporate greed and a desire to over inflate the bottom line. Moreover, it is one that desires to help and aid those in need and to improve the quality of life for everyone.
Samitivej Hospital now offer a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week, consultancy service which can be accessed by anyone, from anywhere. Based at the Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital the purposely fitted out control room is manned by Samitivej’s highly qualified doctors and supporting medical staff.
The professionally designed facility has been specifically created to compliment Samitivej Hospitals existing, world class, medical services. With the care, wellbeing and safety of every patient being the focal point of the concept, every patient can be assured that Samitivej Hospital’s exemplary standards are not compromised in any way.
Patient Data Security
Samitivej Hospital have always been acutely aware of patient data confidentiality and security and have, since the onset of digital record keeping, maintained the highest levels of data security protocols. As with all other departments within the hospital, the virtual consulting room accesses hospital files via ultra-secure connections.
The Samitivej Virtual Hospital, as with all the Samitivej facilities, is ready to be in full compliance with the new data protection laws which come into effect later this year. The new Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) will align Thailand’s data protection law with that of Europe, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDRP), thus keeping Thailand’s data protection amongst the world’s most secure.
Virtual Consultancy Services
Across males and females, medical issues can vary enormously, for this reason Samitivej Hospital has always undertaken gender specific consultations. This concept follows through with their virtual consultations.
Women’s health consultations are conducted by doctors trained in female specific areas of medicine, such as the menstrual cycle, prenatal and postpartum issues and the menopause. Similarly, there are health issues specific to the male gender, these too are addressed by doctors fully acquainted with men’s health problems.
Typically, this may be erectile disfunction, premature or delayed ejaculation, and, with increasing regularity, the male menopause. There are of course many areas of a person’s health and wellbeing which are common to both genders. These can range from urinary problems, depression, reduced libido, hair loss, to name just a dew.
Infertility issues can be discussed, as an individual or as a couple, in the virtual consulting room with a suitably qualified professional. Infertility is a complex issue, having a virtual consultation prior to booking an appointment with a fertility specialist at the hospital can save a lot of time in obtaining an accurate diagnosis.
Via a virtual consultation these issues, and many more, can be discussed with Samitivej Hospital’s doctors. Where necessary a patient may be referred to a specialist or be prescribed medication in addition to receiving sound medical advice.
Additional Virtual Services
In addition to medically specific consultations there is an array of other services that can be accessed via the Samitivej Virtual Hospital. Appointments for in person visits can be made, from orthopedics and pediatrics to cardiology, appointments are accessible in all departments of the hospital.
The hospital’s prescription delivery service is becoming ever more popular, not only due to the recent periods of restricted travel, but for those with mobility problems, or simply due to having a busy lifestyle. Through Samitivej’s virtual services, prescribed medication can be quickly delivered to the patient’s door.
Patients also now have the opportunity to arrange home visits for vaccinations, such as that for influenza. This service is of particular benefit to anyone that may have mobility problems or be considered vulnerable to viral infection, as well as those with existing underlying health issues.
Test@Home is another valuable service to the vulnerable, mobility impaired and to those with existing ill health. Test@Home is a blood collection service administered by Samitivej Hospital. This allows a patient to have their blood collected without having to leave the safety of their own home.
Between the hours of 8am and 4pm, a specialist team of professionals can visit a patient, collect a blood sample and deliver it back to the hospital’s laboratory where it can be tested by a qualified nurse, doctor or phlebotomist. This is an invaluable service for those with mobility or underlying health issues.
Accessing Samitivej’s Virtual Hospital
There are several ways in which the virtual hospital can be accessed. Through the Samitivej Hospital website a simple click to request an online consultation will bring the virtual consulting room to you. Alternatively, this can be done via the Samitivej Plus phone application, which operates on both Android and iOS platforms.
Samitivej is also to found on the Line application, as well as applications provided by the hospital’s partners, they being: myAIS, MTL Smile Service, Sansiri Home Service and SCG, all of whom are equally dedicated to providing an exemplary virtual service.
Samitivej’s virtual service is quick, efficient and economical and acts harmoniously as an out-patient support service. The Samitivej Virtual Hospital fits in with people’s lives, be there mobility difficulties due to Covid 19, or time constraints due to a hectic lifestyle, or for a patient that suffers mobility issues, virtual consulting is probably the answer.
