The Effects of Telehealth on Patient Care: A Comprehensive Reading Practice for IELTS

The Reading section of the IELTS exam requires candidates to understand and interpret various types of passages. Topics covered in the Reading section are diverse and relevant to contemporary issues. One increasingly prevalent topic is telehealth—a changing landscape in patient care especially amid the global health crises. This article aims to assist IELTS candidates in practicing reading comprehension using a passage centered on the effects of telehealth on patient care, a theme that carries both historical relevance and future potential for appearing in IELTS exams.

Reading Passage: Telehealth and Its Impact on Patient Care

Passage (Medium Text)

Telehealth, the use of digital information and communication technologies to access health care services remotely, has revolutionized patient care. This mode of healthcare delivery has significant implications for accessibility, quality of care, and cost.

Firstly, accessibility is notably improved through telehealth. Patients in remote areas or underserved communities gain easier access to medical consultations and treatments. For instance, individuals who live far from medical facilities can receive necessary health advice without the need to travel long distances. This is particularly beneficial for patients with chronic conditions who require regular monitoring and consultations.

Secondly, quality of care can be enhanced through telehealth. Medical professionals can provide continuous monitoring and timely interventions, thereby reducing the likelihood of complications. Telehealth platforms often include features such as electronic medical records (EMRs) and virtual follow-ups, which ensure that patient data is updated and reviewed regularly. Additionally, the convenience of telehealth can lead to increased adherence to treatment plans, as patients are more likely to attend virtual appointments compared to in-person visits.

Lastly, telehealth can reduce healthcare costs for both providers and patients. The reduction in the need for physical infrastructure, such as hospitals and clinics, translates to lower operational costs. Moreover, patients save on travel expenses and time, making healthcare more affordable and less burdensome.

However, telehealth is not without challenges. Technological barriers, such as lack of internet access and digital literacy, can hinder its adoption. There are also concerns about data security and privacy, given that medical consultations occur over the internet. Despite these issues, the ongoing advancements in technology are continuously improving the efficacy and security of telehealth services.

effects-of-telehealth-on-patient-care

Questions

Multiple Choice

1. What is one significant benefit of telehealth mentioned in the passage?

   • A. Increased need for travel
   • B. Lower accessibility
   • C. Enhanced patient data security
   • D. Improved accessibility for remote areas

2. Which of the following is NOT an advantage of telehealth according to the passage?

   • A. Reduced healthcare costs
   • B. Lower quality care
   • C. Increased appointment adherence
   • D. Continuous monitoring

True/False/Not Given

3. Telehealth ensures that patient records are always updated.

   • True
   • False
   • Not Given

4. Data security concerns around telehealth have been completely resolved.

   • True
   • False
   • Not Given

Short-answer Questions

5. List one example of how telehealth improves accessibility for patients.

6. What are two challenges associated with telehealth mentioned in the passage?

Answers and Explanations

Multiple Choice

1. D. Improved accessibility for remote areas

   • Explained: The passage highlights that telehealth improves accessibility, particularly for patients in remote areas, by providing easier access to consultations and treatments without the need to travel long distances.

2. B. Lower quality care

   • Explained: The passage states that telehealth can enhance the quality of care, not lower it. The other options (A, C, D) are mentioned as advantages of telehealth in the text.

True/False/Not Given

3. True

   • Explained: The passage notes that telehealth platforms often include electronic medical records (EMRs) which ensure patient data is updated and reviewed regularly.

4. False

   • Explained: The passage acknowledges concerns about data security and privacy and indicates that these issues are still being addressed, implying they have not been fully resolved.

Short-answer Questions

5. For example, telehealth allows patients in remote areas easier access to medical consultations.

   • Explained: As mentioned in the passage, telehealth enables patients who live far from medical facilities to receive necessary health advice without traveling long distances.

6. Two challenges are technological barriers and concerns about data security and privacy.

   • Explained: The passage lists these specific challenges, explaining that lack of internet access, digital literacy, and concerns about data security are notable challenges hindering telehealth adoption.

Common Mistakes

1. Ignoring implicit details: Always read between the lines for implied information, especially in passages discussing technology and its impacts.
2. Misinterpreting data: Ensure that the information extracted from the passage directly supports your answers.
3. Overlooking exceptions: Focus on keywords such as “however,” “although,” and “but” which often introduce important exceptions or limitations in the discussion.

Vocabulary

1. Accessibility (noun) – /əkˌses.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/: The quality of being able to be reached or entered.
2. Chronic (adj) – /ˈkrɒn.ɪk/: Persistent and lasting for a long time.
3. Adherence (noun) – /ədˈhɪə.rəns/: The act of following or sticking to something, often rules or instructions.
4. Operational costs (noun) – /ˌɒp.ərˈeɪ.ʃən.əl kɒsts/: Expenses associated with running a business or providing services.

Grammar

1. Relative Clauses: Used to add more information about a noun. Example: “Patients, who need regular monitoring, benefit greatly from telehealth.”
2. Passive Voice: Emphasizes the action rather than the subject. Example: “Patient data is updated regularly by telehealth platforms.”

Advice for High IELTS Reading Scores

1. Practice regularly: Consistency is key to improving reading skills.
2. Enhance vocabulary: Knowing more words helps in quick comprehension of complex texts.
3. Don’t skip skimming: Learn to skim passages to get the gist before diving into details.
4. Time management: During practice, time yourself to ensure you can complete passages within the given timeframe.

By integrating these practice passages and following these tips, you can significantly improve your reading skills and perform well in the IELTS Reading section.