Within today’s evolving educational landscape, higher educational institutions are constantly seeking innovative ways to support their students’ success. A promising approach that continues to gain traction more now than ever? Telemedicine.
As colleges and universities grapple with diverse challenges ranging from mental health crises to chronic illnesses, the integration of telemedicine offers an effective solution–and a helping hand.
The Role of Health in Academic Success
It’s well established that physical and mental health are connected, and both are critical to academic success. Students who struggle with health issues often find it challenging to maintain their grades, attend classes regularly, and even simply focus to the best of their ability. By promoting regular health maintenance, telemedicine aids students in staying healthy, reducing the likelihood of health-related disruptions that could potentially derail their academic progress.
Convenience and Accessibility
Telemedicine eliminates the need for traveling, making it much more accessible for students to receive quality healthcare. This is especially salient for students who live in rural areas, which can be far from healthcare facilities as well as campus.
Commuting to doctor’s appointments can be time-consuming and costly, therefore deterring students from seeking care overall as they prioritize saving money and their study time.
Reduced Absenteeism
Receiving timely medical attention without leaving campus–or home–can reduce absenteeism and enable students to stay engaged in their studies.
Telemedicine mitigates health conditions such as mental health disorders, upper respiratory infections, gastrointestinal problems, allergies, sleep disorders, and sexual health concerns, by providing affordable, quick access to medical advice and treatment. Recovery can be expeditious rather than prolonged.
Telemedicine also offers the flexibility to schedule appointments outside of traditional office hours, making it easier for students to seek medical care without missing classes or important academic activities.
Mental Health Support
The American College Health Association’s (ACHA) Spring 2023 national survey of over 55,000 undergraduate students revealed that approximately 76% were experiencing moderate to serious psychological distress.
We’ve long known that mental health is a critical factor in student success. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues can severely impact a student’s ability to perform academically. Telemedicine provides a discreet, convenient way for students to access services, ensuring they receive the support they need, when they need it without compromising their education.
Health Education
With social media use at historical levels, there is a near-constant plethora of information circling the web promoting remedies and quick fixes–often without evidence. . Telemedicine platforms like MomentMD include educational resources that empower students to take control of their health. Access to reliable information given by trained, board-certified clinicians encourages healthier lifestyle choices that students, parents, faculty, and administrations can trust, eliminating stigma and better equipping students to manage their health proactively, safely, and beneficially.
By making healthcare more accessible, schools of all sorts can help students stay healthy and focused on their academic goals, therefore improving graduation and retention rates. As technology continues to advance, the potential for telemedicine to transform student support services will only grow, making it an essential component of modern education.
The healthier the student, the higher their potential, and the more successful they’ll be.
Ready to embrace the power of telemedicine for your students? Partner with MomentMD today.
Michelle DeLucia, MSN, FNP-C is a dedicated family nurse practitioner with almost a decade of experience in providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Her passion for healthcare extends beyond the clinic; she is an avid blogger who enjoys sharing her insights on health trends, wellness tips, and evidence-based practices.