Acute Care Telemedicine During Public Health Emergencies
Public health emergencies place extraordinary demands on healthcare systems, often overwhelming emergency departments and acute care services. Telemedicine has proven to be an essential tool in maintaining care delivery during such crises.
During emergencies, telemedicine enables remote triage and consultation, helping prioritize care for the most critical patients. This reduces congestion in emergency departments and limits unnecessary exposure for patients and staff.
Telemedicine also supports healthcare workforce resilience. Remote consultations allow specialists to contribute care without being physically present, reducing burnout and exposure risks. This flexibility helps maintain staffing levels during prolonged emergencies.
Coordination across healthcare facilities is another key benefit. Telemedicine platforms facilitate communication between hospitals, emergency responders, and public health authorities, improving resource allocation and situational awareness.
In addition, telemedicine supports continuity of care for non-emergency patients during crises. By managing acute issues remotely when appropriate, healthcare systems can preserve in-person resources for the most urgent cases.
The role of acute care telemedicine in emergency response highlights its value as a resilient and adaptable healthcare delivery model.



