Reducing School Absenteeism with Telemedicine

Schools are leveraging telemedicine for student’s well-being. This tool can help schools by providing immediate access to doctors both for preventive measures and during emergencies. Telemedicine expert Ever Health México seeks to support parents and teachers by making healthcare more accessible.

“At Ever Health, we are convinced that it is possible to transform health systems by working together with a focus on improving the first level of care by incorporating technology to streamline and make health services convenient. This idea has been with us from the beginning, when 10 years ago we launched the first Kidscare service for schools, seeking to meet the health needs of educational centers,” says Rafael García, CEO and Founder, Ever Health.

Telemedicine has increased accessibility to health services, allowing them to surpass geographical barriers. The lack of health professionals in rural areas can be addressed through this tool as 84% of doctors in Mexico are now connected to the internet. Of those, 80% use it in their professional practice, according to PwC.

Access to timely medical attention is crucial for children’s well-being. However, many children face barriers that prevent them from receiving this care, including transportation challenges and financial constraints. Lack of medical care also contributes to school absenteeism and decreased academic performance. Telemedicine could help both parents and schools address these issues by providing timely medical care. 

Ever Health uses technology to provide a convenient and accessible service for students in need of medical care during school hours from Monday to Friday. This service allows students to schedule appointments with healthcare professionals on-demand, ensuring that their medical needs are promptly addressed. To ensure parental involvement, Ever Health sends text messages to parents informing them of the situation and inviting them to join the virtual medical appointment. This approach not only provides timely medical care but also encourages parents to participate in their child's healthcare journey. With technology, Ever Health is transforming the way healthcare is delivered in schools, making it easier for students to receive the care they need and empowering parents to be more involved in their child's health and well-being, García tells MBN.

By leveraging telemedicine, schools can give all children the opportunity to thrive. “Telemedicine programs in schools address various aspects of general wellness and help children with chronic illnesses manage their conditions and medications; in addition to minimizing the risk of contracting contagious diseases because it is possible to make a faster diagnosis at the moment,” says García. 

Telemedicine has also proven to be a powerful tool in identifying mental health problems such as depression and anxiety in children and adolescents. These problems, if left untreated, can significantly impact a child's ability to learn and their overall development. By utilizing telemedicine in schools, educators and medical professionals can collaborate to identify potential mental health issues early on, enabling prompt treatment and support for affected students.