- Patients Can Receive a Consultation from their Doctor on Smartphones and Mobile Devices
Patients at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi can now ‘visit’ their doctor on their smartphone, enabling them to have a full appointment from the comfort and safety of their own home.
The introduction of outpatient virtual visits through the hospital’s ‘Health Portal’ app comes as the hospital takes steps to encourage physical distancing and protect patients and staff from community transmission of COVID-19.
By using the virtual visit option, patients who do not require a physical examination can see the doctor and discuss health concerns using their smartphone or mobile device.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to practice physical distancing while still being able to access the care they need. By leveraging innovative digital technology, virtual visits will enable patients to see the doctor quickly and easily, while protecting their own health and that of our patients, caregivers and the wider community,” says Dr. Madhu Sasidhar, Chief Medical Officer, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
Virtual visits involve a video conference between the patient and their regular doctor, allowing detailed follow-up of their case. Patients can complete their virtual visit through the ‘Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Health Portal’ app, available on the App Store and Google Play Store.
Once registered, patients can check in for their virtual visit up to 24 hours before their appointment. A virtual visit video link is then accessible 30 minutes before the scheduled appointment time. Virtual visits are available for all outpatients across all medical specialties at the hospital, providing that the appointment does not require a physical examination.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is proactively moving a number of outpatient appointments to the virtual visit system and is contacting the patients involved directly. The aim is to encourage people to stay home as much as possible.
In addition to virtual visits, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has expanded its home medication delivery service, enabling people to receive deliveries of the medicine directly, eliminating the need to visit the hospital pharmacy.
“Living with illness can be difficult and disruptive to people’s lives, particularly during a global health crisis such as the one we face today. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is striving to ensure that everyone can get the care they need, when and where they need it, at the same time as helping people to stay home and slow the spread of COVID-19,” concludes Dr. Madhu.
To schedule an appointment or for more information, download the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Health Portal app, visit the App Store or Google Play Store, call 800 CCAD (2223) or visit ClevelandClinicAbuDhabi.ae.