One of the greatest challenges for developing nations or those trying to serve rural communities is delivering effective healthcare to their constituents. For people in underdeveloped areas or those with inconsistent access to healthcare providers, getting even the basics of healthcare can be an ordeal. 

One solution to this accessibility issue is using telehealth kiosks, which allow patients to seek online consultations for their conditions or concerns. Supported by the right technology, these kiosks can help deliver healthcare to remote or rural communities or individuals who struggle to access such resources. 

Telehealth Kiosk Basics

A telehealth kiosk typically consists of a healthcare computer built into a plastic display or panel, connected to the Internet via broadband or satellite services, and controlled by touchscreen inputs. These kiosks will also incorporate web cameras so healthcare providers can consult with patients remotely. 

Depending on the priorities of those setting up the kiosk, it may have additional equipment such as blood pressure monitors, thermometers, and blood glucose measuring devices. While these kiosks can be set up anywhere, such as a pre-existing clinic or public space, they can also be placed in enclosed booths in case patients want privacy while receiving treatment. 

Telehealth Kiosks for Rural Communities

Because of their ease of deployment and remote capabilities, telehealth kiosks are a common choice for delivering healthcare to rural communities. A perfect example of this is in Malaysia, where up to 2,000 telehealth kiosks are being delivered to rural doctors to help alleviate their workload. When paired with satellite-based Internet access, these kiosks will let patients get online consultations for non-emergency medical concerns, enabling providers on-site to focus on more immediate problems. These kiosks come with equipment that lets patients self-check parameters like blood pressure, oxygen level, and more. 

Telehealth Kiosks for Underserved Individuals

Even in developed nations, some individuals struggle to regularly access healthcare services, such as the homeless. These people are often those most at risk for physical or mental health issues but the most difficult to reach for treatment. 

Soldier On, a non-profit organization aimed at helping homeless veterans, began using telehealth kiosks in its operations to help connect veterans with mental health support that they desperately need. These kiosks, located in the transitional and permanent housing built by Soldier On, let the veterans staying in said housing immediately connect with Soldier On’s caseworkers if and when they need support. It also ensures that they don’t need to travel to a clinic for in-person care, as they most likely don’t have access to their own transportation or know how to get there. The kiosks also give caseworkers a greater reach, letting them service veterans in other states rather than traveling to reach them. 

Telehealth Kiosk Priorities

While telehealth kiosks can be incredibly useful for helping communities and individuals who might otherwise not receive healthcare, it’s important to remember that these are still electronics used in a medical setting and should come with specific design features and qualifications. This includes:

  • Reliability: A telehealth kiosk in a rural area may be hours away from a repair or service center. Therefore, reliability must be a top priority for any computer in the kiosk. This means rugged, proven components and as few moving parts as possible, such as fanless cooling solutions. 
  • Connectivity: Kiosks need strong and reliable Internet access to ensure providers and patients can communicate effectively and access the resources they need. If they rely on peripheral devices, they will also need a full suite of both modern and legacy ports to support them. Barcode scanners that can read medication labels or access patient history are also valuable additions. 
  • Intuitive Controls: Rural residents might not be fully familiar with computers, which means making a telehealth kiosk easy to use is critical. Touchscreen controls are an ideal solution to this problem, as they are naturally intuitive and minimize the need for a mouse and keyboard. These touchscreens 
  • Security: Sadly, any computer remotely deployed may be targeted for hacking or breaking into. Telehealth kiosk computers should implement strong cybersecurity measures such as Imprivata encryption to protect their data and networks. 

Empower Your Telehealth Kiosks With Cybernet

By implementing reliable and easy-to-use telehealth kiosks, providers can deliver healthcare services to groups and individuals who desperately need them but often go underserved. However, choosing the right computers to build these kiosks is essential. 

At Cybernet Manufacturing, we offer a full range of medical-grade tablets and medical box PCs that can easily be integrated with a kiosk as a computing and user interface solution. Contact the team to learn more about how our products can support your efforts. 

Join the conversation and connect with us on this and other relevant topics – Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube. 

medical computers medical devices patient engagement telehealth