Telehealth is often lauded as a solution for inequities in health care. But many of the same disparities persist from in-person to virtual care: Lack of insurance, language differences, literacy challenges, broadband access issues, and more.
VTN’s Equity & Telehealth initiative provides content and resources that aim to equip providers across the Commonwealth with tools, education, and best practices for meeting all needs of patients via telehealth.
Topics
Older Adults | Racial Disparities | Patients with Limited English Proficiency | Mental and Behavioral Health | Enhancing Telehealth Accessibility For Those With Disabilities | Underserved and Underconnected Localities | Social Determinants of Health
Laying the Groundwork for Virtual Substance Use Disorder Treatment Models in Correctional Facilities
Across the country, Substance Use Disorder (SUD) continues to be one of the most prevalent challenges faced by many: in 2023, 15.35% of Americans were reported to be battling substance use disorder according to data from Mental Health America. Of those, 93.5% did not receive any form of treatment. Stigma, …Read More »
Considerations for Patient Safety in Telehealth Delivery
The swift growth of telehealth rapidly transformed health care delivery. Flexibilities during the Public Health Emergency enabled providers to adopt new ways in how telehealth technologies can be used, ranging from text messaging portals and eConsultations to video sessions with patients or other providers. As providers and patients alike quickly …Read More »
Strengthening Virginia’s Mental Health Workforce with Telehealth
The breadth and depth of Virginia’s mental health crisis is harrowing. According to Mental Health America, Virginia is in the bottom-third of states when it comes to access to mental health services. Additionally, the latest data from the Health Resources & Services Administration states that every locality throughout the state …Read More »
Take Action:
Tips and Resources for Enhancing Equity in Your Practice
- Center for Care Innovations: Telemedicine for Health Equity Toolkit
- Telehealth Equity Coalition: Solutions
- Telehealth.HHS.gov: Ensuring Equal Access to Telehealth
- NCQA White Paper on The Impact of Telehealth on Health Equity
- What Are the Keys to Safe, Equitable, Person-Centered Telemedicine?
- Tips You May Not Know to Improve Telehealth for Patients and Providers
- Tips for Expressing Empathy via Telemedicine
- Planning Your Telehealth Workflow
- Providing Health Literate Virtual Health Services
- What Are the Keys to Safe, Equitable, Person-Centered Telemedicine?
Keep the Conversation Going
Each month we will feature Virginia-grown telehealth successes that meet the needs of our community in novel and inclusive ways. Submit an abstract or story ideas here.
