OET READING SUB-TEST 1– QUESTION PAPER : PART C
OET Reading Practice Test 1 – Part C
OET READING SUB-TEST 1– QUESTION PAPER : PART C
"The Role of Telehealth in Modern Medicine"
Telehealth has emerged as a critical tool in modern medicine, particularly during global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. By allowing healthcare providers to consult with patients remotely, telehealth has significantly improved access to medical services for people in rural and underserved areas. Dr. Meera Anand, a general practitioner in regional Australia, notes that telehealth has been "transformational" in managing chronic illnesses without requiring patients to travel long distances.
However, not all healthcare professionals are equally enthusiastic. Some specialists argue that telehealth limits their ability to make accurate assessments, particularly in cases requiring physical examination. "You simply cannot palpate a patient through a screen," says Dr. James Leong, a dermatologist. He emphasizes that telehealth should complement—not replace—face-to-face consultations.
Research on telehealth outcomes has yielded mixed results. A 2023 study published in the International Journal of Digital Health found that patient satisfaction was high for follow-up appointments and mental health consultations conducted via video. However, the same study reported increased misdiagnosis rates in first-time consultations for complex or rare conditions when compared to in-person visits. The researchers recommend a hybrid model that blends virtual and traditional consultations based on the patient's needs.
Another challenge is the digital divide. Elderly patients and those without reliable internet access may struggle to use telehealth services effectively. Dr. Anand admits that some of her older patients are hesitant to embrace virtual care, citing a lack of confidence with technology. She believes additional community-based training and support are essential to ensure telehealth remains inclusive.
Despite its limitations, telehealth is likely to remain a permanent fixture in healthcare. Government initiatives in several countries now include funding for telehealth infrastructure, and medical schools have started incorporating virtual care training into their curricula. "The genie is out of the bottle," says Dr. Leong. "Telehealth is here to stay, and we need to learn how to use it wisely."
Questions 1–8 Choose the best answer (A–D) for each question.
1. What is the main benefit of telehealth according to the first paragraph?
A. It reduces the need for chronic illness management.
B. It allows specialists to perform surgeries remotely.
C. It makes healthcare more accessible to remote populations.
D. It lowers healthcare costs for hospitals.
2. What is Dr. Anand’s opinion of telehealth?
A. She believes it’s unsuitable for most patients.
B. She thinks it has greatly helped her manage chronic cases.
C. She avoids using it due to its limitations.
D. She is neutral and prefers in-person visits.
3. What concern does Dr. Leong raise about telehealth?
A. It leads to more legal issues.
B. It takes longer than face-to-face consultations.
C. It prevents thorough physical assessments.
D. It is not cost-effective for specialists.
4. What does the 2023 study suggest about telehealth?
A. It is equally effective for all types of consultations.
B. It may not be ideal for initial consultations involving complex issues.
C. Patients are mostly dissatisfied with telehealth services.
D. Telehealth is better than in-person care for rare conditions.
5. What challenge is faced by older patients using telehealth?
A. They lack interest in modern medicine.
B. They often don’t receive any training from hospitals.
C. They are uncomfortable with technology.
D. They prefer video calls over phone calls.
6. How does Dr. Anand suggest addressing the digital divide?
A. By upgrading smartphones for all patients.
B. By building more hospitals in remote areas.
C. By offering community training and support.
D. By limiting telehealth to younger users.
7. What can be inferred about the future of telehealth in medical education?
A. It will no longer be taught in medical schools.
B. It will be emphasized more in training programs.
C. It is discouraged due to ethical concerns.
D. It is being replaced by artificial intelligence tools.
8. What does Dr. Leong mean by saying “the genie is out of the bottle”?
A. Telehealth is only temporarily useful.
B. Telehealth will be discontinued soon.
C. Telehealth’s presence is now irreversible.
D. Telehealth is dangerous if not stopped early.