The healthcare industry has witnessed a significant shift towards telehealth in recent years driven by advancements in technology and the need for accessible healthcare solutions. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, highlighting the importance of remote medical services. As a result, the demand for telehealth professionals has surged, creating both opportunities and challenges for the healthcare sector.
We connected with Victoria Ceballos, Senior Recruiter on our Healthcare team to explore the growing demand for telehealth services and the challenges in meeting the demand. We also discussed strategies to address the shortage and the future of telehealth recruitment.
The Growing Need for Telehealth Services
Telehealth encompasses a wide range of services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital health education. This approach not only improves patients’ access to care but also enhances the efficiency of healthcare delivery. With an increasing number of patients seeking remote medical assistance, the need for skilled telehealth professionals has never been greater. According to Statista, “In 2024, there were over 116 million users of online doctor consultations worldwide, up from around 57 million in 2019.”
Victoria Ceballos, Senior Recruiter on our Healthcare team highlighted telehealth has revolutionized the industry saying, “Telehealth has revolutionized our industry. Traditionally, case management roles, particularly utilization review and management, were conducted in person. However, telehealth now enables professionals to handle these tasks more efficiently from home. This setup minimizes the distractions typically encountered in an office environment, allowing workers to use their time more effectively and process more cases in a single day than they could in person.”
Challenges in Meeting the Demand
Despite the growing demand, the healthcare industry faces several challenges in meeting the need for telehealth professionals. One of the primary issues is the shortage of trained personnel. Many healthcare providers are still adapting to the technological requirements of telehealth, and there is a pressing need for specialized training programs to equip professionals with the necessary skills.
A survey by the American Medical Association found that, “…70.3% of physicians worked in practices that used videoconferencing to provide patient visits but only 59.1% had personally conducted a videoconferencing visit.”
Strategies to Address the Shortage
To address the shortage of telehealth professionals, several strategies can be implemented:
- Enhanced Training Programs: Developing comprehensive training programs that focus on telehealth technologies and best practices can help bridge the skills gap. These programs should be integrated into medical and nursing curricula to prepare future healthcare providers.
- Continuing Education: Offering continuing education opportunities for current healthcare professionals can ensure they stay updated with the latest telehealth advancements. Online courses, workshops, and certifications can be valuable resources.
- Collaboration with Tech Companies: Partnering with technology companies can provide healthcare institutions with the tools and expertise needed to implement effective telehealth solutions. These collaborations can also facilitate the development of user-friendly platforms for both providers and patients.
- Policy Support: Government policies and regulations play a crucial role in promoting telehealth. Supportive policies can encourage the adoption of telehealth services and provide funding for training programs and infrastructure development.
The Future of Telehealth Recruitment
As telehealth continues to grow, so will the need for specialized talent. Collaboration between recruiters, educators, and healthcare providers will be key to ensuring a robust pipeline of skilled professionals ready to shape the future of care.
Victoria added, “Many people take breaks from their daily routines to raise families or find a better work-life balance. Telehealth allows workers to achieve both, resulting in happier employees. It also enables individuals to extend their careers, with some professionals even delaying retirement. Telework offers the flexibility to continue working without the physical demands they may no longer manage. Understanding where your candidate is in their life and building a relationship with them allows the recruiter to not only match them with the right job but also to act as a career coach.”
Telehealth isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of healthcare. By addressing the growing demand for talented professionals, the industry can continue to deliver innovative and accessible care to patients everywhere.