Digital doctor services should be a supplement to the general practitioner
Norwegian health authorities are now emphasizing that digital doctor services should not replace the traditional general practitioner. The goal of introducing more technology into the healthcare system is to create a more efficient everyday life for both patients and doctors.
By using digital solutions for simpler consultations, the hope is to free up more time for general practitioners. This is especially important for patients who require physical examinations, close follow-up over time, and continuity in their treatment.
Today, many general practitioners experience a heavy workload with many patients on waiting lists. Digital tools can help ensure that patients who need physical assistance gain faster access to their doctor, while less complicated inquiries can be resolved via screen.
It is important that the technology functions as a support tool, and not as a replacement for the personal meeting between doctor and patient. The authorities believe that a combination of physical and digital services will provide a better health service for the population in the future.