Bahamas News
‘Telemedicine up 400%-500% since COVID,’ could spell the end to crowded doctors’ offices
#Nassau, The Bahamas – April 27, 2020 — Dr. Arlington Lightbourne,
Bahamas Wellness Health Systems Founder used to get four or so calls a week from someone asking him to diagnose what’s wrong over the phone.
Today, he and his team in Central Eleuthera, Spanish Wells and Nassau are averaging that in a half day.
COVID-19 may be doing for telemedicine what all the attempts at persuading people to pick up a cell or tablet and dial a doctor could not – fast-tracking the case for telehealth, the practice of diagnosing much of what patients flock to a doctor’s office for without them ever having to leave their home or office.
“At least half the cases can be diagnosed by telemedicine and you can cut your office visits in half if you have a robust telemedicine platform,” said Dr. Lightbourne. From the patient’s point of view, that ‘platform’ is not complicated, though the physician’s office has to schedule efficiently and have instant access to patient records.
“Ideally, the physician should be able to see you through a visual aid such as video chat or FaceTime, take a proper history, review your records and any medications you may be on currently. If the physician needs more than that or if from what is presented, the course of action is not immediately clear then the patient can make an appointment to come in,” says Dr, Lightbourne, a wellness specialist whose clinics in Eleuthera and Nassau posted special hours to maintain social distancing during the lockdown to control the spread of coronavirus when it was first announced. Because the Nassau clinic has a relatively small waiting area, it opened by appointment only. Eleuthera Medical Center in Palmetto Point which opened just over a year ago is far more spacious and was able to maintain scheduled appointments.
“We did not want people going to the doctor and taking a chance that they would be infected by someone sitting close to them who was asymptomatic,” he said. That’s when the phone calls started pouring in.
“Some 50-60% of the common issues presented in a doctor’s office can be addressed through telemedicine, especially if you have a population that is open to it. The problem is the Bahamian population is very traditional. Just as they will stand in line at a bank, they will wait in a doctor’s office to make sure that they get a personal visit when technology exists to allow easier facilitation. At the very least, we can use telemedicine as a screening tool,” he noted. “There are some cases where you have to examine the patient, no question, but with the increased use of readily available technology, someone who is feeling unwell only has to pick up a phone or other smart device or sit at a computer screen. It will also save unnecessary visits to the emergency room and if a patient is diagnosed early because it is easier to do it from home and you are not putting off seeing the doctor, the chances of catching something earlier when it is more treatable successfully also increase.”
Originally introduced as a way to diagnose and treat populations in remote places, telemedicine, also known as telehealth, has expanded worldwide. According to the American Medical Association, it increased 53% between 2016 and 2017 – years ahead of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Even if it reduces one office visit an hour, it helps to eliminate crowding in doctors’ offices, put an end to long waits that people rightfully hate, especially if they are feeling unwell and it frees up medical personnel to dedicate themselves to those cases that require extreme in-person and emergency care. The message I’d like people to remember is this: just because it is not in person does not mean it is impersonal.”
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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