Telehealth has the potential to be a true game changer, but it remains underutilised and often underfunded. Despite its proven ability to improve access, convenience, and efficiency, adoption is uneven, and many organisations still treat it as a temporary add-on rather than a core part of healthcare delivery. With the right investment and integration, telehealth can move from a stopgap solution to a permanent driver of better care and outcomes.
By leveraging technology-based virtual platforms, telehealth delivers various aspects of health information, prevention, monitoring, and medical care. What began as a pandemic-era necessity has rapidly evolved into a permanent feature of the healthcare landscape. For healthcare leaders and employers, the question is no longer whether telehealth should be part of the strategy, but how it can be leveraged responsibly and effectively.
In simple terms, telehealth brings healthcare to where the patient is—whether at home, at work, or on the go. It increases access, convenience, and efficiency, making healthcare more user-friendly for both employees and employers.
Benefits for Employees and Employers
Employee satisfaction is closely linked to the health and well-being of the workforce. Telehealth offers an affordable and convenient solution to include in Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
Key advantages include:
- Improved access: Particularly valuable for employees in remote locations or rural areas with limited healthcare options.
- Reduced absenteeism: Virtual consultations minimise time away from work, improving productivity.
- Chronic illness management: Employees are less likely to delay follow-ups due to long waits or costs, reducing complications, hospital admissions, and extended absenteeism.
Challenges and Risks
While telehealth provides significant benefits, it is not without drawbacks:
- Digital barriers: Not all employees have access to reliable internet, devices, or digital literacy, which can create disparities in care.
- Limited clinical assessment: Telehealth relies on the patient’s description of symptoms, which may lead to misdiagnosis or suboptimal treatment plans.
- Potential for sick leave abuse: The ease of scheduling virtual consultations and lack of in-person verification may allow employees to misuse sick leave. Some telehealth providers might issue sick certificates leniently to attract or retain clients.
Legal frameworks like the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) further limit employers’ access to employee health information, making it harder to monitor and manage sick leave abuse.
Telehealth is here to stay. For healthcare systems, it is a tool to improve access, equity, and efficiency. For employers, it can reduce costs, enhance productivity, and support workforce well-being. However, unchecked use may create opportunities for sick leave abuse. Employers should embrace telehealth while reviewing sick leave policies and partnering with trusted service providers to ensure responsible implementation and use.
Written By: Mandy Miller RNRM