Abstract

Geriatric patients, 65 years of age and older, are constantly affected in ways far removed from those of patients with more mobility and less afflictions. The population of geriatric patients is exponentially growing and the number of providers is not, leading to a gap that can be partially remedied by telecommunication. The pandemic forced providers to virtually connect with patients for a variety of reasons, but this in and of itself is a potential opening for greater digitization of healthcare for geriatric patients.

Automated and virtual medical care, referred to as telehealth or telemedicine in this paper, is the usage of electronic devices to provide medical attention to patients remotely. Technology dependence and a lack of technological competence in the older generation are the main concerns of transitioning; however, many of the hurdles posed are easily overcome or prepared for, making advantages such as lower costs and increased ease of access to a medical provider the driving force behind converting to telemedicine. This article will attempt to inform on the history of geriatrics, why the transition to virtual medical care is occuring, and the positives and the negatives of this transition, in addition to ways to solve the obstacles posed.

Keywords: Acute respiratory distress syndrome; Cardiology; Respirat