As we enter the next phase of the pandemic, telehealth remains a prevalent tool in increasing access to various types of care. The latest equity and telehealth news round-up covers tips for reducing clinician burnout, how telehealth is being used in emergency medicine, tools experts are using to assess digital health literacy, why teletherapy is still vitally needed, and how telemedicine is helping Black patients access primary care.
Reducing clinician burnout in virtual care settings
As healthcare systems continue to adopt digital health tools, it’s important to take measures to mitigate physician burnout that costs the U.S healthcare industry billions of dollars each year. Implementing support systems for clinicians and reducing the documentation processes and the number of emails physicians receive are a few ways to improve care delivery and support staff. Learn more here about reducing clinician burnout and improving patient experience by building more inclusive, accessible and equitable telehealth programs.
Adoption of telehealth narrows disparities in primary care access for Black patients
A recent study suggests that the adoption of telemedicine may help narrow disparities in primary care access among Black patients. The study, conducted by Penn Medicine, found that racial disparities in primary care appointment completion rates between Black and non-Black patients narrowed substantially during the shutdown period and persisted for the remainder of 2020. The study also found that telemedicine appointments, especially audio-only, represented a larger share of completed primary care appointments in 2020 for Black patients relative to non-Black patients. Learn more about the study here.
Emergency telemedicine poised to grow
Emergency telemedicine took off at the onset of the pandemic and is expected to grow. Settings for telehealth in emergency medicine include triage, direct acute unscheduled care and virtual observation through remote home monitoring. Emergency telemedicine has proven to be beneficial for hospitals and patients in both rural and urban areas. Learn more about the innovative ways telemedicine is being used in emergency settings.
Measuring Digital Health Literacy
To assess digital health literacy across various populations, researchers recently developed and tested the Digital Health Literacy Scale. The three-item screening tool measures participants’ ability to use digital tools, helping to identify patients who require additional assistance to use virtual care services. Read more about the Digital Health Literacy Scale as a resource for closing gaps to virtual care.
Teletherapy offers convenience and accessibility
As emergency orders which mandate the coverage of telehealth visits are set to expire, patients and experts are advocating for the continued use of teletherapy. Research indicates that the use of teletherapy can be as effective as in-person treatment and has served as a lifeline for people who have challenges getting to in-person appointments. Read more about teletherapy, and why it is vitally needed.
While virtual care has traditionally been an alternate option for receiving care in many settings, it has become a preferred method for various populations. Understanding how telemedicine can be a tool for improving equity and increasing access to care is paramount as the healthcare sector imagines the role it will play in the industry’s future.