The Advantages of Asynchronous Care: A Game-Changer for Digital Providers

Curv Health Team

By 

Curv Health Team

Published 

Apr 14, 2023

The Advantages of Asynchronous Care: A Game-Changer for Digital Providers

What is asynchronous care?

Asynchronous care refers to treatment that is not performed in real-time. Another way to say this is that it’s care that continues outside of scheduled in-person sessions. Understandably, this allows for a more flexible and convenient approach to healthcare. But it also means that you, as a provider of care, need an efficient way to facilitate it — a way that works well for both you and your client. This is where digital platforms like Curv Health come into play.

A Physical Therapist using an iPad completing an asynchronous check-in with one of their clients

Key benefits for patients

The main benefit of asynchronous care is how accessible and convenient it is for patients. They no longer need to be physically present to receive care and treatment. This is especially useful for those in rural areas, with mobility issues, a busy schedule, or who prefer care from home via technology.

The patient experience doesn't end when the individual appointments do. In between sessions, digital platforms like Curv help facilitate and track prescribed care programs. This is the case across various care categories: patients can receive rehab programming, mental health support, and custom meal plans. To help keep your patients accountable, they'll receive notifications and progress reports along the way. Patients can also message you directly with any questions or concerns they may have. This is a two-way communication tool, meaning you can check in with them too.

Overall, asynchronous care empowers patients to take a more active role in managing their health at their own pace. This often results in better adherence to treatment plans and a greater sense of patient autonomy and empowerment.

We see numerous benefits to employing this treatment model to supplement your practice. Here's a recap of why patients enjoy and benefit from asynchronous care delivery:

  • Patients can receive top-notch care from the comfort of their home, which is both cost-effective and time-saving.
  • Providers and patients can communicate outside of scheduled appointment times.
  • Patients can play an active role in managing their health.

A dietitian hosting a video call from their kitchen using Curv Health's online clinic management software

What it means for providers

Physical Health

The physical health space often involves ongoing care and communication between the therapist and patient. Asynchronous care can facilitate this process by providing a flexible and convenient means of communication and data collection. Optimizing this process can lead to improved healthcare access, increased patient engagement, and potentially better health outcomes for patients.

Dietetics and nutrition

Among other things, Dietitians and nutritionists focus on developing individualized nutrition plans and creating healthy habits for patients. Asynchronous care aligns with this mission in multiple ways. Digital platforms allow for remote meal plan access and meal tracking. With Curv specifically, there are integrations with 3rd-party data sources like Apple Health Kit, which help to create more holistic view of your client’s status. Being able to monitor these metrics remotely and provide feedback can help patients stay motivated to reach their rehab goals.

Psychotherapy and counselling

When it comes to mental health services, sometimes help can’t come soon enough. The digital nature of asynchronous care has proven to reduce wait times, as patients can receive treatment more quickly and efficiently than if they had to wait for an in-person appointment. This can help to improve patient outcomes, as timely treatment can prevent issues from becoming more serious. And like the other care categories, asynchronous care delivery allows for more frequent check-ins, which can maintain support between scheduled appointments.

In closing

Asynchronous care doesn’t imply that you need to be available 24/7 for your patients and clients. That is an unreasonable expectation. But what asynchronous care does do is lend itself to a more dynamic, supportive, and unwavering model of care. It facilitates continued progress in patient health outcomes, lends a platform for collaborative patient-provider therapeutic interaction, and makes healthcare much more accessible. We see all of these as wins for both you and your patients.

Stay in the know

Get the latest virtual healthcare news in your inbox

Related Posts