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Boudreau JH, Moo LR, Kennedy MA, Conti J, Anwar C, Pimentel CB, Nearing KA, Hung WW, Dryden EM. Needs for Successful Engagement in Telemedicine Among Rural Older US Veterans and Their Caregivers: Qualitative Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e50507. [PMID: 38713503 PMCID: PMC11109863 DOI: 10.2196/50507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine is an important option for rural older adults who often must travel far distances to clinics or forgo essential care. In 2014, the Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Centers (GRECC) of the US Veterans Health Administration (VA) established a national telemedicine network called GRECC Connect. This network increased access to geriatric specialty care for the 1.4 million rural VA-enrolled veterans aged 65 years or older. The use of telemedicine skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately impacted older adults, exacerbating disparities in specialty care access as overburdened systems shut down in-person services. This surge presented a unique opportunity to study the supports necessary for those who would forgo telemedicine if in-person care were available. OBJECTIVE In spring 2021, we interviewed veterans and their informal caregivers to (1) elicit their experiences attempting to prepare for a video visit with a GRECC Connect geriatric specialist and (2) explore facilitators and barriers to successful engagement in a telemedicine visit. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional qualitative evaluation with patients and their caregivers who agreed to participate in at least 1 GRECC Connect telemedicine visit in the previous 3 months. A total of 30 participants from 6 geographically diverse GRECC Connect hub sites agreed to participate. Semistructured interviews were conducted through telephone or the VA's videoconference platform for home telemedicine visits (VA Video Connect) per participant preference. We observed challenges and, when needed, provided real-time technical support to facilitate VA Video Connect use for interviews. All interviews were recorded with permission and professionally transcribed. A team of 5 researchers experienced in qualitative research analyzed interview transcripts using rapid qualitative analysis. RESULTS From 30 participant interviews, we identified the following 4 categories of supports participants described regarding successful engagement in telemedicine, as defined by visit completion, satisfaction, and willingness to engage in telemedicine in the future: (1) caregiver presence to facilitate technology setup and communication; (2) flexibility in visit modality (eg, video from home or a clinic or telephone); (3) technology support (eg, determining device compatibility or providing instruction and on-demand assistance); and (4) assurance of comfort with web-based communication, including orientation to features like closed captioning. Supports were needed at multiple points before the visit, and participants stressed the importance of eliciting the varying needs and preferences of each patient-caregiver dyad. Though many initially agreed to a telemedicine visit because of pandemic-related clinic closures, participants were satisfied with telemedicine and willing to use it for other types of health care visits. CONCLUSIONS To close gaps in telemedicine use among rural older adults, supports must be tailored to individuals, accounting for technology availability and comfort, as well as availability of and need for caregiver involvement. Comprehensive scaffolding of support starts well before the first telemedicine visit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Hannah Boudreau
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Lauren R Moo
- New England Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Bedford Healthcare System, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Bedford, MA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Meaghan A Kennedy
- New England Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Bedford Healthcare System, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Bedford, MA, United States
- Department of Family Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jennifer Conti
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Chitra Anwar
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Camilla B Pimentel
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Bedford, MA, United States
- New England Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Bedford Healthcare System, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Bedford, MA, United States
- Department of Public Health, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, United States
| | - Kathryn A Nearing
- Eastern Colorado VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora, CO, United States
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - William W Hung
- Bronx Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Eileen M Dryden
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Bedford, MA, United States
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Ali M, Sullivan G. Racial Differences in Expanded Telemedicine Use During COVID-19: A Literature Review. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:1394-1400. [PMID: 38064549 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the widespread adoption of telemedicine to deliver health care services while minimizing in-person contact. However, concerns persist regarding equitable access to telemedicine, especially for vulnerable populations. This study examines the utilization patterns of telemedicine by race in the United States, considering different modalities, medical specialties, and geographic regions. Methods: A comprehensive review of 26 articles published between January 2020 and August 2022 was conducted to analyze racial disparities in telemedicine use during the pandemic. Data from electronic health records and self-reported race were compiled for analysis. Variations based on geography, clinical care types, telemedicine modalities (audio or video), and study design were explored. Results: The findings indicate the presence of racial disparities in telemedicine utilization, with minority groups exhibiting lower usage rates compared with Whites. The location of outpatient clinics and clinical care types did not significantly influence telemedicine use by race. Among studies comparing telemedicine modalities, African Americans were more likely to choose audio/phone visits over video visits. Studies employing a pre-post design were less likely to identify disparities in telemedicine use by race. Conclusions: This study consistently demonstrates increasing racial disparities in telemedicine use. Future research should focus on identifying contributing factors and developing strategies to address these disparities. Policymakers should consider implementing initiatives promoting equitable access to telemedicine, including financial assistance, improved broadband infrastructure, and digital literacy programs. By addressing these barriers, telemedicine can play a crucial role in reducing health care disparities and improving access to care for all Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohab Ali
- Center for Health services Research, Psychiatric Research Institute University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Greer Sullivan
- Center for Health services Research, Psychiatric Research Institute University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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Halas G, Baldwin A, LaBine L, MacKay K, Singer A, Katz A. A Phenomenological Inquiry of the Shift to Virtual Care Delivery: Insights from Front-Line Primary Care Providers. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:861. [PMID: 38667623 PMCID: PMC11050693 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12080861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid deployment of virtual primary care visits served as a first-line response to COVID-19 and can now be examined for insights, particularly as virtual care is playing an ongoing role in patient care and consultations. Input from primary care providers directly responsible for virtual care delivery is needed to inform policies and strategies for quality care and interactions. The overarching goal of this research study was to examine the use of virtual care as a mechanism for primary healthcare delivery. A phenomenological approach investigated the shift in primary care service delivery as experienced by primary care providers and initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Focus groups were conducted with primary care providers (n = 21) recruited through email, advertisements, and professional organizations, exploring how virtual care was delivered, the benefits and challenges, workflow considerations, and recommendations for future use. Integrating virtual care was performed with a great deal of autonomy as well as responsibility, and overwhelmingly depended on the telephone. Technology, communication, and workflow flexibility are three key operational aspects of virtual care and its delivery. Providers highlighted cross-cutting themes related to the dynamics of virtual care including balancing risk for quality care, physician work/life balance, efficiency, and patient benefits. Primary care providers felt that virtual care options allowed increased flexibility to attend to the needs of patients and manage their practice workload, and a few scenarios were shared for when virtual care might be best suited. However, they also recognized the need to balance in-person and virtual visits, which may require guidelines that support navigating various levels of care. Overall, virtual care was considered a good addition to the whole 'care package' but continued development and refinement is an expectation for optimizing and sustaining future use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayle Halas
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
| | - Alanna Baldwin
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
| | - Lisa LaBine
- Department of Family Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
| | - Kerri MacKay
- Department of Family Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
- Community Partner, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
| | - Alexander Singer
- Department of Family Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
| | - Alan Katz
- Department of Family Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
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Fisher K, Tapley A, Ralston A, Davey A, Fielding A, van Driel M, Holliday E, Ball J, Dizon J, Spike N, Clarke L, Magin P. Video versus telephone for telehealth delivery: a cross-sectional study of Australian general practice trainees. Fam Pract 2024; 41:198-202. [PMID: 38124491 PMCID: PMC11017778 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmad115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remunerated telehealth consultations were introduced in Australia in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Videoconferencing has advantages over telephone-consulting, including improved diagnostic and decision-making accuracy. However, videoconferencing uptake in Australia has been low. This study aimed to establish prevalence and associations of video versus telephone consultations in Australian general practice (GP) registrars' practice. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of data from 2020 to 2021 (three 6-monthly data-collection rounds) from the Registrars Clinical Encounters in Training (ReCEnT) study. GP registrars record details of 60 consecutive consultations every 6-month term, for a total of 3 terms. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed within the Generalized Estimating Equations framework with the outcome video versus telephone. RESULTS 102,286 consultations were recorded by 1,168 registrars, with 21.4% of consultations performed via telehealth. Of these, telephone accounted for 96.6% (95% CI: 96.3-96.8%) and videoconferencing for 3.4% (95% CI: 3.2-3.7%). Statistically significant associations of using videoconferencing, compared to telephone, included longer consultation duration (OR 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.03 per minute; and mean 14.9 versus 12.8 min), patients aged 0-14 years old (OR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.03-1.62, compared to age 15-34), patients new to the registrar (OR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.04-1.35), part-time registrars (OR 1.84, 95% CI: 1.08-3.15), and areas of less socioeconomic disadvantage (OR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.00-1.62 per decile). CONCLUSIONS Registrars' telehealth consultations were mostly performed via telephone. Telephone use being associated with socioeconomic disadvantage has health equity implications. Future research should explore barriers to videoconferencing use and strategies to increase its uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Fisher
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, Australia
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners GP Training Research Department, 20 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West, NSW 2304, Australia
| | - Amanda Tapley
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, Australia
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners GP Training Research Department, 20 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West, NSW 2304, Australia
| | - Anna Ralston
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, Australia
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners GP Training Research Department, 20 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West, NSW 2304, Australia
| | - Andrew Davey
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, Australia
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners GP Training Research Department, 20 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West, NSW 2304, Australia
| | - Alison Fielding
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, Australia
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners GP Training Research Department, 20 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West, NSW 2304, Australia
| | - Mieke van Driel
- Faculty of Medicine, General Practice Clinical Unit, University of Queensland, Level 8 Health Sciences Building, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Holliday
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Jean Ball
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Clinical Research Design, IT and Statistical Support Unit (CReDITSS), New Lambton Heights, Australia
| | - Jason Dizon
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Clinical Research Design, IT and Statistical Support Unit (CReDITSS), New Lambton Heights, Australia
| | - Neil Spike
- Eastern Victoria General Practice Training, Regional Training Organisation, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Melbourne, Berkeley Street, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- School of Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa Clarke
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners GP Training Research Department, 20 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West, NSW 2304, Australia
| | - Parker Magin
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, Australia
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners GP Training Research Department, 20 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West, NSW 2304, Australia
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Porterfield L, Ram M, Kuo YF, Gaither ZM, O'Connell KP, Roy K, Bhardwaj N, Fingado E. Disparities in the Timeliness of Addressing Patient-Initiated Telephone Calls in a Primary Care Clinic: The Impact of Quality Improvement Interventions. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38567512 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2024.2335056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
A timely response to patient-initiated telephone calls can affect many aspects of patient health, including quality of care and health equity. Historically, at a family medicine residency clinic, at least 1 out of 4 patient calls remained unresolved three days after the call was placed. We sought to explore whether there were differential delays in resolution of patient concerns for certain groups and how these were affected by quality improvement interventions to increase responsiveness to patient calls. A multidisciplinary team at a primary care residency clinic applied Lean education and tools to improve the timeliness of addressing telephone encounters. Telephone encounter data were obtained for one year before and nine months after the intervention. Data were stratified by race, ethnicity, preferred language, sex, online portal activation status, age category, zip code, patient risk category, and reason for call. Stratified data revealed consistently worse performance on telephone encounter closure by 72 hours for Black/African American patients compared to Hispanic and non-Hispanic White patients pre-intervention. Interventions resulted in statistically significant overall improvement, with an OR of 2.9 (95% CI: 2.62 to 3.21). Though interventions did not target a specific population, pre-intervention differences based on race and ethnicity resolved post-intervention. Telephone calls serve as an important means of patient communication with care teams. General interventions to improve the timeliness of addressing telephone encounters can lead to sustainable improvement in a primary care academic clinic and may also alleviate disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mythili Ram
- System Optimization & Performance, University of Texas Medical Branch
| | - Yong Fang Kuo
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, University of Texas Medical Branch
| | - Zanita M Gaither
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch
| | | | - Khushali Roy
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch
| | - Namita Bhardwaj
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, The University of Texas Medical Branch
| | - Elizabeth Fingado
- System Optimization & Performance, University of Texas Medical Branch
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Kouanda A, Faggen A, Bayudan A, Kamal F, Avila P, Arain M, Dai SC, Munroe CA. Impact of Telemedicine on No-Show Rates in an Ambulatory Gastroenterology Practice. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:1026-1033. [PMID: 37883629 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Studies suggest that telemedicine worsens health care disparities in certain groups, partly owing to a lack of access to appropriate technology or poor technological literacy. Our aim was to use clinic no-show data to determine the impact of telemedicine on patient access to care in the ambulatory gastroenterology setting. Methods: Single-center retrospective study of ambulatory in-person and telemedicine clinic appointments comparing the 15-month prepandemic (PP) with the first 15 months during the pandemic (DTP) using an administrative database. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Results: About 9,746 and 12,808 patient-encounters were scheduled PP and DTP respectively. The no-show rate decreased from 9.8% to 6.9% DTP (p < 0.001). The no-show rate decreased for Black (p = 0.02) and non-Hispanic White patients (p = 0.018). The no-show rate increased for LatinX (p < 0.001) and Asian (p = 0.007) patients. In multivariate analysis, older patients and patients identifying as Black, Asian, or LatinX all had higher odds of no-show DTP (p < 0.05 for all). Patients from high-income counties were 43% less likely to no-show than those in the lowest income counties. Conclusions: The transition to telemedicine improves health care access by decreasing the overall no-show rate. Some groups have been negatively affected, including the older, lower income, LatinX, and Asian populations. Future studies should aim to identify the risk factors within these populations that can be modified to increase health care participation, including targeted application of in-person visits, and improved technology to drive engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Kouanda
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Alec Faggen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Alexis Bayudan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Faisal Kamal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Patrick Avila
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mustafa Arain
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sun-Chuan Dai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Craig A Munroe
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Mackwood M, Pashchenko O, Leggett C, Fontanet C, Skinner J, Fisher E. Telehealth Trends and Hypertension Management Among Rural and Medicaid Patients After COVID-19. Telemed J E Health 2024. [PMID: 38457122 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: Examine the associations between rurality and low income with primary care telehealth utilization and hypertension outcomes across multiple years pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic onset. Methods: We compiled electronic health record data from the mixed rural/urban Dartmouth Health system in New Hampshire, United States, on patients with pre-existing hypertension or diabetes receiving primary care in the period before (January 2018-February 2020) and after the transition period to telehealth during the COVID-19 Pandemic (October 2020-December 2022). Stratifying by rurality and Medicaid enrollment, we examined changes in synchronous (office and telehealth visits, including audio/video use) and asynchronous (patient portal or telephone message) utilization, and control of mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) <140. Results: Analysis included 46,520 patients, of whom 8.2% were Medicaid enrollees, 42.7% urban residents. Telehealth use rates were 12% for rural versus 6.4% for urban, and 15% for Medicaid versus 8.4% non-Medicaid. The overall postpandemic telehealth visit rate was 0.29 per patient per year. Rural patients had a larger increase in telehealth use (additional 0.21 per year, 95% CI, 0.19-0.23) compared with urban, as did Medicaid (0.32, 95% CI 0.29-0.36) compared with non-Medicaid. Among the 38,437 patients with hypertension, SBP control worsened from 83% to 79% of patients across periods. In multivariable analysis, rurality corresponded to worsened control rates compared with urban (additional 2.4% decrease, 95% CI 2.1-2.8%); Medicaid and telehealth use were not associated with worsened control. Conclusions: Telehealth expansion enabled a higher shift to telehealth for rural and low-income patients without impairing hypertension management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Mackwood
- Department of Community & Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Dartmouth Health, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
- The Dartmouth Institute, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Oleksandra Pashchenko
- Department of Community & Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
- Full Circle Health Family Medicine Residency, Boise, Idaho, USA
| | - Christopher Leggett
- The Dartmouth Institute, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | | | - Jonathan Skinner
- The Dartmouth Institute, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
- Department of Economics, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Elliott Fisher
- Department of Community & Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
- The Dartmouth Institute, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
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Binion S, Sorgen LJ, Peshkin BN, Valdimarsdottir H, Isaacs C, Nusbaum R, Graves KD, DeMarco T, Wood M, McKinnon W, Garber J, McCormick S, Ladd MK, Schwartz MD. Telephone versus in-person genetic counseling for hereditary cancer risk: Patient predictors of differential outcomes. J Telemed Telecare 2024; 30:334-343. [PMID: 34779303 PMCID: PMC9902210 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x211052220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Telegenetics has become the predominant mode of cancer genetic counseling during the COVID-19 pandemic. We sought to identify potential patient-level contraindicators for telegenetic genetic counseling. METHODS We analyzed post-counseling (pre-result disclosure) follow-up data from a randomized noninferiority trial of a telephone genetic counseling versus usual care genetic counseling. Among 669 randomized participants, 600 completed pre-test counseling and 568 completed a 2-week follow-up assessment before receiving test results. In this analysis, we focused on genetic counseling outcomes (knowledge, decisional conflict, and distress). In multivariate models controlling for bivariate predictors of these outcomes, we tested our a priori hypotheses that pre-counseling numeracy, perceived stress, and race/ethnicity would moderate the outcomes of telephone genetic counseling versus usual care. RESULTS Only numeracy significantly moderated associations between mode of genetic counseling and outcomes. Higher numeracy was associated with higher post-counseling knowledge following telephone genetic counseling (p < 0.001), but not usual care (p = 0.450). Higher numeracy was also associated with lower distress following telephone genetic counseling (p = 0.009) but not usual care (p = 0.16). Neither perceived stress nor race/ethnicity exhibited differential impacts on telephone genetic counseling versus usual care (ps > 0.20). CONCLUSION Although high numeracy was associated with higher levels of knowledge following telegenetic counseling, we did not identify any clinically significant patient-level contraindicators for telegenetic counseling. These results lend further confidence to the broad use of telegenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah Binion
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
- Jess and Mildred Fisher Center for Hereditary Cancer and Clinical Genomics Research, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Lia J. Sorgen
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
- Jess and Mildred Fisher Center for Hereditary Cancer and Clinical Genomics Research, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Beth N. Peshkin
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
- Jess and Mildred Fisher Center for Hereditary Cancer and Clinical Genomics Research, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Heiddis Valdimarsdottir
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
- Department of Psychology, Reykjavik University, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Claudine Isaacs
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
- Jess and Mildred Fisher Center for Hereditary Cancer and Clinical Genomics Research, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Rachel Nusbaum
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
- Current Affiliation: University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Kristi D. Graves
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
- Jess and Mildred Fisher Center for Hereditary Cancer and Clinical Genomics Research, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Tiffani DeMarco
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
- Current Affiliation: Cancer Genetic Counseling Program, Inova Translational Medicine Institute, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA
| | - Marie Wood
- Familial Cancer Program of the Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
| | - Wendy McKinnon
- Familial Cancer Program of the Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
| | - Judy Garber
- Center for Cancer Genetics and Prevention, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute-Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Shelley McCormick
- Center for Cancer Genetics and Prevention, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute-Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Center for Cancer Risk Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA
| | - Mary K. Ladd
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
- Jess and Mildred Fisher Center for Hereditary Cancer and Clinical Genomics Research, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Marc D. Schwartz
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
- Jess and Mildred Fisher Center for Hereditary Cancer and Clinical Genomics Research, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
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Khairat S, John R, Pillai M, McDaniel P, Edson B. Patient Characteristics Associated With Phone and Video Visits at a Tele-Urgent Care Center During the Initial COVID-19 Response: Cross-Sectional Study. Online J Public Health Inform 2024; 16:e50962. [PMID: 38241073 PMCID: PMC10802832 DOI: 10.2196/50962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health systems rapidly adopted telemedicine as an alternative health care delivery modality in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Demographic factors, such as age and gender, may play a role in patients' choice of a phone or video visit. However, it is unknown whether there are differences in utilization between phone and video visits. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate patients' characteristics, patient utilization, and service characteristics of a tele-urgent care clinic during the initial response to the pandemic. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of urgent care patients using a statewide, on-demand telemedicine clinic with board-certified physicians during the initial phases of the pandemic. The study data were collected from March 3, 2020, through May 3, 2020. RESULTS Of 1803 telemedicine visits, 1278 (70.9%) patients were women, 730 (40.5%) were aged 18 to 34 years, and 1423 (78.9%) were uninsured. There were significant differences between telemedicine modalities and gender (P<.001), age (P<.001), insurance status (P<.001), prescriptions given (P<.001), and wait times (P<.001). Phone visits provided significantly more access to rural areas than video visits (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that offering patients a combination of phone and video options provided additional flexibility for various patient subgroups, particularly patients living in rural regions with limited internet bandwidth. Differences in utilization were significant based on patient gender, age, and insurance status. We also found differences in prescription administration between phone and video visits that require additional investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif Khairat
- Carolina Health Informatics Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Cecil G Sheps Center for Health Services Research, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- School of Nursing, University North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Roshan John
- Carolina Health Informatics Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Malvika Pillai
- Carolina Health Informatics Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Philip McDaniel
- Digital Research Services Department, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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10
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Aslan A, Mold F, van Marwijk H, Armes J. What are the determinants of older people adopting communicative e-health services: a meta-ethnography. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:60. [PMID: 38212713 PMCID: PMC10785477 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10372-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gradually, society has shifted more services online, with COVID-19 highlighting digital inequalities in access to services such as healthcare. Older adults can experience such digital inequalities, yet this group is also more likely to need medical appointments, compared to younger people. With the growing digitalisation of healthcare, it is increasingly important to understand how older people can best use communicative e-health services to interact with healthcare services. This is especially if older adults are to access, and actively interact with health professionals/clinicians due to their general health decline. This review aims to synthesise older adults' experiences and perceptions of communicative e-health services and, in turn, identify barriers and facilitators to using communicative e-health services. METHODS A meta-ethnography was conducted to qualitatively synthesise literature on older adults' experiences of using communicative e-health services. A systematic search, with terms relating to 'older adults', 'e-health', 'technology', and 'communication', was conducted on six international databases between January 2014 and May 2022. The search yielded a total of 10 empirical studies for synthesis. RESULTS The synthesis resulted in 10 themes that may impact older adults' perceptions and/or experiences of using communicative e-health services. These were: 1) health barriers, 2) support networks, 3) application interface/design, 4) digital literacy, 5) lack of awareness, 6) online security, 7) access to digital devices and the internet, 8) relationship with healthcare provider(s), 9) in-person preference and 10) convenience. These themes interlink with each other. CONCLUSION The findings suggest older adults' experiences and perceptions of communicative e-health services are generally negative, with many reporting various barriers to engaging with online services. However, many of these negative experiences are related to limited support networks and low digital literacy, along with complicated application interfaces. This supports previous literature identifying barriers and facilitators in which older adults experience general technology adoption and suggests a greater emphasis is needed on providing support networks to increase the adoption and usage of communicative e-health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Aslan
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
| | - Freda Mold
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | | | - Jo Armes
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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11
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Chuen VL, Dholakia S, Kalra S, Watt J, Wong C, Ho JMW. Geriatric care physicians' perspectives on providing virtual care: a reflexive thematic synthesis of their online survey responses from Ontario, Canada. Age Ageing 2024; 53:afad231. [PMID: 38243403 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afad231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine was widely implemented to minimise viral spread. However, its use in the older adult patient population was not well understood. OBJECTIVE To understand the perspectives of geriatric care providers on using telemedicine with older adults through telephone, videoconferencing and eConsults. DESIGN Qualitative online survey study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS We recruited geriatric care physicians, defined as those certified in Geriatric Medicine, Care of the Elderly (family physicians with enhanced skills training) or who were the most responsible physician in a long-term care home, in Ontario, Canada between 22 December 2020 and 30 April 2021. METHODS We collected participants' perspectives on using telemedicine with older adults in their practice using an online survey. Two researchers jointly analysed free-text responses using the 6-phase reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS We recruited 29 participants. Participants identified difficulty using technology, patient sensory impairment, lack of hospital support and pre-existing high patient volumes as barriers against using telemedicine, whereas the presence of a caregiver and administrative support were facilitators. Perceived benefits of telemedicine included improved time efficiency, reduced travel, and provision of visual information through videoconferencing. Ultimately, participants felt telemedicine served various purposes in geriatric care, including improving accessibility of care, providing follow-up and obtaining collateral history. Main limitations are the absence of, or incomplete physical exams and cognitive testing. CONCLUSIONS Geriatric care physicians identify a role for virtual care in their practice but acknowledge its limitations. Further work is required to ensure equitable access to virtual care for older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Chuen
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada
| | - Saumil Dholakia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- GeriMedRisk, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Saurabh Kalra
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Watt
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Camilla Wong
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joanne M-W Ho
- GeriMedRisk, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Divison of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Kitchener, ON, Canada
- Schlegel Research Institute for Aging, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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Halas G, Baldwin A, Mackay K, Cardenas E, LaBine L, Cherrett P, Abraham L, Fogarty V, Singer A, Katz A, Kirby S. Patients' and caregivers' experiences of virtual care in a primary care setting during the COVID-19 pandemic: A patient-oriented research study. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241232949. [PMID: 38410792 PMCID: PMC10896066 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241232949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study explored patient and caregiver expectations and experiences of virtual primary care in Manitoba, Canada. This study focused on accessibility of care, acceptability and perceptions of quality from 'users' of primary healthcare services. Due to the rapid implementation of virtual primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, patient/public input was largely bypassed. Methods A mixed method was conducted in collaboration with Patient and Caregiver Community Advisors. Data was obtained from 696 surveys and 9 focus groups (n = 41 patients and caregivers). Results Data suggest good acceptance of virtual visits, although considered a new experience despite almost exclusive use of the telephone. Participants preferred more input for choosing the type of visit but experienced less stress, time and inconvenience by using virtual care. There were mixed opinions of quality. More complex visits were associated with incomplete consultations and serve as one exemplar of the limitations due to lack of physical presence or contact. Unique communication skills were required to convey health concerns adequately and accurately. A more transactional approach was perceived from the lack of visual cues and the awkwardness associated with pauses during the phone conversation. Virtual care may be better used for certain circumstances but should encompass patient-centred decision making for when and how. Many expressed interests in video options; technology access and user ability are additional considerations for advancing virtual care. Conclusions The experiences and recommendations from patients and caregivers provide an important contribution to decision-making and integrating and sustaining quality virtual care for patient-centered healthcare service delivery. Keywords: Virtual care experiences, primary care, patient-oriented research, mixed methods, COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayle Halas
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Alanna Baldwin
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Ernesto Cardenas
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Dept of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Lisa LaBine
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Dept of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Alexander Singer
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Dept of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Alan Katz
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Dept of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Dept of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Sarah Kirby
- George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, Winnipeg, Canada
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Fisher K, Tapley A, Ralston A, Davey A, Fielding A, van Driel M, Holliday E, Ball J, Dizon J, Spike N, Clarke L, Magin P. General practice trainees' telehealth use during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. Fam Pract 2023; 40:638-647. [PMID: 36882013 PMCID: PMC10745257 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmad022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, remuneration was introduced for Australian general practice telehealth consultations. General practitioner (GP) trainees' telehealth use is of clinical, educational, and policy importance. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associations of telehealth versus face-to-face consultations amongst Australian GP registrars (vocational GP trainees). METHODS Cross-sectional analysis of data from the Registrar Clinical Encounters in Training (ReCEnT) study, from 2020 to 2021 (three 6-month terms), including registrars in 3 of Australia's 9 Regional Training Organisations. In ReCEnT, GP registrars record details of 60 consecutive consultations, 6 monthly. The primary analysis used univariate and multivariable logistic regression, with outcome of whether the consultation was conducted via telehealth (phone and videoconference) or face-to-face. RESULTS 1,168 registrars recorded details of 102,286 consultations, of which 21.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 21.1%-21.6%) were conducted via telehealth. Statistically significant associations of a telehealth consultation included shorter consultation duration (odds ratio [OR] 0.93, 95% CI: 0.93-0.94; and mean 12.9 versus 18.7 min); fewer problems addressed per consultation (OR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87-0.97); being less likely to seek assistance from a supervisor (OR 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76-0.96) while being more likely to generate learning goals (OR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02-1.37); and being more likely to arrange a follow-up consultation (OR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02-1.35). CONCLUSIONS That telehealth consultations were shorter, with higher rates of follow-up, has GP workforce/workload implications. That telehealth consultations were less likely to involve in-consultation supervisor support, but more likely to generate learning goals, has educational implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Fisher
- University of Newcastle, School of Medicine and Public Health, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- GP Synergy, Regional Training Organisation, NSW & ACT Research and Evaluation Unit, 20 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda Tapley
- University of Newcastle, School of Medicine and Public Health, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- GP Synergy, Regional Training Organisation, NSW & ACT Research and Evaluation Unit, 20 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West, NSW, Australia
| | - Anna Ralston
- University of Newcastle, School of Medicine and Public Health, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- GP Synergy, Regional Training Organisation, NSW & ACT Research and Evaluation Unit, 20 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Davey
- University of Newcastle, School of Medicine and Public Health, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- GP Synergy, Regional Training Organisation, NSW & ACT Research and Evaluation Unit, 20 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West, NSW, Australia
| | - Alison Fielding
- University of Newcastle, School of Medicine and Public Health, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- GP Synergy, Regional Training Organisation, NSW & ACT Research and Evaluation Unit, 20 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West, NSW, Australia
| | - Mieke van Driel
- University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine, General Practice Clinical Unit, Level 8 Health Sciences Building, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Holliday
- University of Newcastle, School of Medicine and Public Health, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Jean Ball
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Clinical Research Design, IT and Statistical Support Unit (CReDITSS), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason Dizon
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Clinical Research Design, IT and Statistical Support Unit (CReDITSS), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Neil Spike
- Eastern Victoria General Practice Training, Regional Training Organisation, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, Berkeley Street, Carlton, VIC, Australia
- Monash University, School of Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Lisa Clarke
- General Practice Training Tasmania, Regional Training Organisation, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Parker Magin
- University of Newcastle, School of Medicine and Public Health, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- GP Synergy, Regional Training Organisation, NSW & ACT Research and Evaluation Unit, 20 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West, NSW, Australia
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Rodríguez-Fernández JM, Hoertel N, Saner H, Raji M. Acculturation and Disparities in Telemedicine Readiness: A National Study. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2023:914150231219259. [PMID: 38111265 DOI: 10.1177/00914150231219259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Telemedicine provided older adults the ability to safely seek care during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate the potential impact of acculturation factors in telemedicine uptake between ethnic groups. As part of the National Health and Aging Trends Study 2018 survey, 303 participants (≥65 years) were interviewed. We assessed the impact of acculturation on telemedicine readiness by race and ethnicity. Compared to the white non-Hispanic immigrant population, Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander (API) populations had significantly lower telemedicine readiness and uptake. Limited English proficiency or older age at the time of migration was associated with telemedicine unreadiness and uptake in the Hispanic and API populations. Our findings suggested that acculturation factors play a substantial role in telemedicine uptake among older adult immigrants in the United States. Therefore, acculturation factors should be considered when promoting and adopting telemedicine technologies in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicolas Hoertel
- AP-HP, Centre-Université de Paris, Hôpital Corentin-Celton, DMU Psychiatrie et Addictologie, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
- INSERM, Institut de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences de Paris, Paris, France
- Faculté de Santé, UFR de Médecine, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Hugo Saner
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mukaila Raji
- Division of Geriatrics, Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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Gately ME, Trudeau SA. An Online Learning Experience Simulating Video Telehealth with Older Adults: Student Perceptions. JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:154-163. [PMID: 38586236 PMCID: PMC10996448 DOI: 10.1007/s41347-023-00363-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Older adults are an underserved population with a broad-spectrum of care needs due to multi-morbidity, including increasing rates of mental health conditions. Though a prime target for tele-behavioral health due to access barriers, older adults face a persistent digital divide that necessitates clinician training and education to ensure interprofessional tele-behavioral health is tailored to their needs. This paper presents findings from a simulation learning program designed to teach students about the role of video telehealth with populations with diverse needs. Occupational therapy (OT) students enrolled in a Master's program between 2017 and 2018 conducted a simulated video telehealth session geared for an older adult. Sessions were recorded and annotated by students, who then provided feedback on their experience of the simulation via reflective essays (N = 27). Essays were analyzed using conventional content analysis with themes revealing the benefits of simulation in providing students with an opportunity to experience the often unpredictable nature of video telehealth. Themes also revealed perceived limitations of video and the negative impact of age-related conditions and age itself on older adults' ability to engage in video, reflecting ageist stereotyping and bias as potential barriers to novice practitioners' integration of video telehealth with older adults. Simulation provides students an opportunity to engage in active learning and problem-solving in the moment, fostering students' development of clinical reasoning while promoting reflective practice. Findings reveal the importance of supporting students' recognition of biased attitudes to ensure equitable application of tele-behavioral health care, especially to populations with complex needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Gately
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA; Bedford Health Care System, Bedford, MA, USA
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Scott A. Trudeau
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA; Bedford Health Care System, Bedford, MA, USA
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
- American Occupational Therapy Association, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Dia M, Davoudi S, Sanayei N, Martin DC, Albrecht MM, Ness S, Subramanian M, Siegel N, Chen X. Demographic and socioeconomic disparities in the hybrid ophthalmology telemedicine model. J Telemed Telecare 2023:1357633X231211353. [PMID: 37960873 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x231211353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE As telemedicine use expands, it is important to evaluate demographic and socioeconomic disparities among patients receiving ophthalmic care through new hybrid telemedicine models. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether there are demographic and socioeconomic disparities in the delivery of the hybrid telemedicine model. DESIGN Retrospective, cross-sectional, case-control analysis of patient encounters from April to December 2020. SETTING A single, academic, hospital-based eye clinic in Boston, Massachusetts. METHODS Electronic medical records of all patient encounters from April to December 2020 were reviewed and categorized into hybrid, virtual-only, and standard in-person visits. Patient-level data for all visits were extracted including age, sex, race/ethnicity, primary language, Area Deprivation Index (ADI), insurance type, and marital status. Visit-level data for all hybrid visits were also extracted from the medical record including the visit dates and patient adherence. Demographics for the cohort of patients with at least one no-show visit were compared with demographics for the cohort of patients who only had completed visits. The primary study outcomes were the differences in demographic characteristics between the hybrid visit show and no-show groups. The secondary outcomes included demographic characteristics of patients who did not complete their hybrid visit versus a time-matched cohort of patients who did not complete their standard in-person visit. Continuous variables for patient characteristics were compared with independent samples t-tests and categorical variables were compared using Pearson chi-square tests. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the differences between the cohorts. Variables with missing values other than suppressed ADI values were imputed using multiple imputations by chained equations. RESULTS Of a total of 1025 patients who were scheduled for a hybrid visit, 145 (14.1%) patients failed to complete their visit. Primary language and insurance were found to be statistically different between patients who completed and did not complete their hybrid visits. More English speakers and fewer Haitian Creole speakers completed their hybrid visits (p = 0.007) while more patients with private insurance and fewer patients with Medicaid completed their hybrid telemedicine visits (p = 0.026). No associations were found between hybrid telemedicine visit adherence and age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, or ADI. When the 145 patients who failed to complete their hybrid visits were compared to a time-matched cohort of patients who failed to complete their standard in-person visit, we found that patients who missed hybrid visits were similar to those who missed standard in-person visits except for patients insured by Medicare. These patients were more likely to miss a hybrid visit than a standard in-person visit (Odds Ratio 2.199, 95% confidence interval 1.136-4.259, p = 0.019). No associations were found between patient nonadherence with hybrid telemedicine versus with standard in-person visits based on age, sex, primary language, race/ethnicity, marital status, or ADI. CONCLUSION The hybrid telemedicine model was associated with insurance and language-based disparities. Patients with non-English primary language and Medicaid recipients were more likely to miss a hybrid visit than their counterparts. Our findings support developing deliberate interventions to ensure hybrid telemedicine care is delivered equitably to all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Dia
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Nedda Sanayei
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Steven Ness
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Manju Subramanian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole Siegel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xuejing Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Kraus M, Stegner C, Reiss M, Riedel M, Børsch AS, Vrangbaek K, Michel M, Turmaine K, Cseh B, Dózsa CL, Dandi R, Mori AR, Czypionka T. The role of primary care during the pandemic: shared experiences from providers in five European countries. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1054. [PMID: 37784101 PMCID: PMC10546726 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09998-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated wide-ranging adaptations to the organisation of health systems, and primary care is no exception. This article aims to collate insights on the role of primary care during the pandemic. The gained knowledge helps to increase pandemic preparedness and resilience. METHODS The role of primary care during the pandemic in five European countries (Austria, Denmark, France, Hungary, Italy) was investigated using a qualitative approach, namely case study, based on document analysis and semi-structured interviews. In total, 31 interviews were conducted with primary care providers between June and August 2022. The five country case studies were subjected to an overarching analysis focusing on successful strategies as well as gaps and failures regarding pandemic management in primary care. RESULTS Primary care providers identified disruptions to service delivery as a major challenge emerging from the pandemic which led to a widespread adoption of telehealth. Despite the rapid increase in telehealth usage and efforts of primary care providers to organise face-to-face care delivery in a safe way, some patient groups were particularly affected by disruptions in service delivery. Moreover, primary care providers perceived a substantial propagation of misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines among the population, which also threatened patient-physician relationships. At the same time, primary care providers faced an increased workload, had to work with insufficient personal protective equipment and were provided incongruous guidelines from public authorities. There was a consensus among primary care providers that they were mostly sidelined by public health policy in the context of pandemic management. Primary care providers tackled these problems through a diverse set of measures including home visits, implementing infection control measures, refurbishing used masks, holding internal meetings and relying on their own experiences as well as information shared by colleagues. CONCLUSION Primary care providers were neither well prepared nor the focus of initial policy making. However, they implemented creative solutions to the problems they faced and applying the learnings from the pandemic could help in increasing the resilience of primary care. Attributes of an integrated health system with a strong primary care component proved beneficial in addressing immediate effects of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Kraus
- Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS), Josefstädter Straße 39, Vienna, 1080, Austria.
| | - Christoph Stegner
- Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS), Josefstädter Straße 39, Vienna, 1080, Austria
| | - Miriam Reiss
- Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS), Josefstädter Straße 39, Vienna, 1080, Austria
| | - Monika Riedel
- Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS), Josefstädter Straße 39, Vienna, 1080, Austria
| | - Anne Sofie Børsch
- University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, Copenhagen K, 1353, Denmark
| | - Karsten Vrangbaek
- University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, Copenhagen K, 1353, Denmark
| | - Morgane Michel
- Université Paris Cité, ECEVE, UMR 1123, 10 avenue de Verdun, Inserm, Paris, 75010, France
- Unité d'épidémiologie clinique, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Robert Debré, 48 boulevard Sérurier, Paris, 75019, France
| | - Kathleen Turmaine
- Université Paris Cité, ECEVE, UMR 1123, 10 avenue de Verdun, Inserm, Paris, 75010, France
| | - Borbála Cseh
- University of Miskolc, Egyetem út 1, Miskolc-Egyetemváros, 3515, Hungary
| | - Csaba László Dózsa
- University of Miskolc, Egyetem út 1, Miskolc-Egyetemváros, 3515, Hungary
| | - Roberto Dandi
- Luiss Business School, Via Nomentana 216, Roma, 00162, RM, Italy
| | - Angelo Rossi Mori
- Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies, Via Palestro 32, Roma, 00185, Italy
| | - Thomas Czypionka
- Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS), Josefstädter Straße 39, Vienna, 1080, Austria
- London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton Street, London, WC2A 2AE, UK
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Gately ME, Metcalf EE, Waller DE, McLaren JE, Chamberlin ES, Hawley CE, Venegas M, Dryden EM, O’Connor MK, Moo LR. Caregiver Support Role in Occupational Therapy Video Telehealth: A Scoping Review. TOPICS IN GERIATRIC REHABILITATION 2023; 39:253-265. [PMID: 37901356 PMCID: PMC10601380 DOI: 10.1097/tgr.0000000000000409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Caregiver involvement may facilitate patient participation in occupational therapy (OT) video telehealth. However, little is known about the extent to which caregivers participate and what they do. This scoping review aims to, 1) describe the caregiver role supporting patient participation in OT video telehealth, and, 2) identify barriers and facilitators to caregiver involvement. Findings reveal caregiver involvement in a range of OT evaluation and intervention processes, with details on what caregivers did overall lacking. Barriers and facilitators are also described. This study underscores the need for clear and robust descriptions of caregiver participation to increase best practices in video telehealth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Gately
- VA Bedford Health Care System, New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Bedford, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily E. Metcalf
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Dylan E. Waller
- VA Portland Health Care System, Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC), Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jaye E. McLaren
- VA Bedford Health Care System, New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth S. Chamberlin
- VA Bedford Health Care System, New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Bedford, MA, USA
- VA Bedford Health Care System, VISN 1 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Chelsea E. Hawley
- VA Bedford Health Care System, New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Bedford, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria Venegas
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Bedford Health Care System, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Eileen M. Dryden
- VA Bedford Health Care System, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Maureen K. O’Connor
- VA Bedford Health Care System, New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Bedford, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Neurology Department, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lauren R. Moo
- VA Bedford Health Care System, New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Bedford, MA, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Cognitive Behavioral Neurology Unit, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Toschi E, Adam A, Atakov-Castillo A, Slyne C, Laffel L, Munshi M. Use of Telemedicine in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: Do Age and Use of Diabetes-Related Technology Matter? Telemed J E Health 2023; 29:1374-1382. [PMID: 36695656 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Older adults are generally less proficient in technology use compared with younger adults. Data on telemedicine use during the COVID-19 pandemic in older persons with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the association of telemedicine with the use of diabetes-related technology are limited. We evaluated care delivery to older adults compared with younger adults with T1D in a prepandemic and pandemic period. Methods: Data from electronic health records were evaluated for visit types (in-person, phone, and video) from two sequential 12-month intervals: prepandemic (April 2019-March 2020) and pandemic (April 2020-March 2021). Results: Data from 2,832 unique adults with T1D were evaluated in two age cohorts: younger (40-64 years) and older (≥65 years). Half of each group used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), whereas 54% of the younger and 37% of the older cohort used pump therapy (p < 0.001). During the pandemic compared with the prepandemic period, visit frequency increased in both the younger (0.65 vs. 0.76 visits/patient/quarter; p < 0.01) and older (0.72 vs. 0.80 visits/patient/quarter; p < 0.01) cohorts. During the pandemic, older adults used more phone visits compared with younger adults (48% vs. 32%; p = 0.001). Patients using either pump therapy or CGM were more likely to use video visits compared with phone visits in both younger (41% vs. 24%; p < 0.001) and older cohorts (53% vs. 42%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Adults using diabetes-related technologies, independent of age, accessed more video visits than those not using devices. Telemedicine visits appeared to maintain continuity of care for younger and older adults with T1D, supporting the future of a hybrid-care model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Toschi
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Clinical Research, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Atif Adam
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Clinical Research, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Christine Slyne
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Clinical Research, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lori Laffel
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Clinical Research, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Medha Munshi
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Clinical Research, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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20
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Chen A, Ayub MH, Mishuris RG, Rodriguez JA, Gwynn K, Lo MC, Noronha C, Henry TL, Jones D, Lee WW, Varma M, Cuevas E, Onumah C, Gupta R, Goodson J, Lu AD, Syed Q, Suen LW, Heiman E, Salhi BA, Khoong EC, Schmidt S. Telehealth Policy, Practice, and Education: a Position Statement of the Society of General Internal Medicine. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:2613-2620. [PMID: 37095331 PMCID: PMC10124932 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08190-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Telehealth services, specifically telemedicine audio-video and audio-only patient encounters, expanded dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic through temporary waivers and flexibilities tied to the public health emergency. Early studies demonstrate significant potential to advance the quintuple aim (patient experience, health outcomes, cost, clinician well-being, and equity). Supported well, telemedicine can particularly improve patient satisfaction, health outcomes, and equity. Implemented poorly, telemedicine can facilitate unsafe care, worsen disparities, and waste resources. Without further action from lawmakers and agencies, payment will end for many telemedicine services currently used by millions of Americans at the end of 2024. Policymakers, health systems, clinicians, and educators must decide how to support, implement, and sustain telemedicine, and long-term studies and clinical practice guidelines are emerging to provide direction. In this position statement, we use clinical vignettes to review relevant literature and highlight where key actions are needed. These include areas where telemedicine must be expanded (e.g., to support chronic disease management) and where guidelines are needed (e.g., to prevent inequitable offering of telemedicine services and prevent unsafe or low-value care). We provide policy, clinical practice, and education recommendations for telemedicine on behalf of the Society of General Internal Medicine. Policy recommendations include ending geographic and site restrictions, expanding the definition of telemedicine to include audio-only services, establishing appropriate telemedicine service codes, and expanding broadband access to all Americans. Clinical practice recommendations include ensuring appropriate telemedicine use (for limited acute care situations or in conjunction with in-person services to extend longitudinal care relationships), that the choice of modality be done through patient-clinician shared decision-making, and that health systems design telemedicine services through community partnerships to ensure equitable implementation. Education recommendations include developing telemedicine-specific educational strategies for trainees that align with accreditation body competencies and providing educators with protected time and faculty development resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Chen
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St, Box 356421, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Mariam H Ayub
- Division of General Internal Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rebecca G Mishuris
- Digital, Mass General Brigham, Somerville, MA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jorge A Rodriguez
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kendrick Gwynn
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Community Physicians, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Margaret C Lo
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Malcom Randall VAMC, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Craig Noronha
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tracey L Henry
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Grady Memorial Hospital, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Danielle Jones
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Grady Memorial Hospital, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Wei Wei Lee
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Malvika Varma
- Division of Gerontology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- New England VA GRECC, Boston VA Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Cuevas
- Division of Academic Internal Medicine, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chavon Onumah
- Division or General Internal Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Reena Gupta
- Division of General Internal Medicine at San Francisco General Hospital, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John Goodson
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy D Lu
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Quratulain Syed
- Birmingham-Atlanta VA GRECC, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Leslie W Suen
- Division of General Internal Medicine at San Francisco General Hospital, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Erica Heiman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Bisan A Salhi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Reading, PA, USA
| | - Elaine C Khoong
- Division of General Internal Medicine at San Francisco General Hospital, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stacie Schmidt
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Grady Memorial Hospital, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Rome D, Sales A, Cornelius T, Malhotra S, Singer J, Ye S, Moise N. Impact of Telemedicine Modality on Quality Metrics in Diverse Settings: Implementation Science-Informed Retrospective Cohort Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e47670. [PMID: 37494087 PMCID: PMC10413089 DOI: 10.2196/47670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Video-based telemedicine (vs audio only) is less frequently used in diverse, low socioeconomic status settings. Few prior studies have evaluated the impact of telemedicine modality (ie, video vs audio-only visits) on clinical quality metrics. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess telemedicine uptake and impact of visit modality (in-person vs video and phone visits) on primary care quality metrics in diverse, low socioeconomic status settings through an implementation science lens. METHODS Informed by the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework, we evaluated telemedicine uptake, assessed targeted primary care quality metrics by visit modality, and described provider-level qualitative feedback on barriers and facilitators to telemedicine implementation. RESULTS We found marginally better quality metrics (ie, blood pressure and depression screening) for in-person care versus video and phone visits; de-adoption of telemedicine was marked within 2 years in our population. CONCLUSIONS Following the widespread implementation of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of visit modality on quality outcomes, provider and patient preferences, as well as technological barriers in historically marginalized settings should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Rome
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alyssa Sales
- Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Talea Cornelius
- Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sujata Malhotra
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jessica Singer
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Siqin Ye
- Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nathalie Moise
- Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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22
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Ostovari M, Zhang Z, Patel V, Jurkovitz C. Telemedicine and health disparities: Association between the area deprivation index and primary care telemedicine utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Clin Transl Sci 2023; 7:e168. [PMID: 37588680 PMCID: PMC10425871 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2023.580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The rapid implementation of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated the existing health disparities. This study investigated the association between the area deprivation index (ADI), which serves as a measure of socioeconomic deprivation within a geographic area, and the utilization of telemedicine in primary care. Methods The study data source was electronic health records. The study population consisted of patients with at least one primary care visit between March 2020 and December 2021. The primary outcome of interest was the visit modality (office, phone, and video). The exposure of interest was the ADI score grouped into quartiles (one to four, with one being the least deprived). The confounders included patient sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, race, ethnicity, insurance coverage, marital status). We utilized generalized estimating equations to compare the utilization of telemedicine visits with office visits, as well as phone visits with video visits. Results The study population included 41,583 patients with 127,165 office visits, 39,484 phone visits, and 20,268 video visits. Compared to patients in less disadvantaged neighborhoods (ADI quartile = one), patients in more disadvantaged neighborhoods (ADI = two, three, or four) had higher odds of using phone visits vs office visits, lower odds of using video visits vs office visits, and higher odds of using phone visits vs video visits. Conclusions Patients who resided in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods mainly relied on phone consultations for telemedicine visits with their primary care provider. Patient-level interventions are essential for achieving equitable access to digital healthcare, particularly for low-income individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Ostovari
- Christiana Care Health Services Inc., Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Zugui Zhang
- Christiana Care Health Services Inc., Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Vishal Patel
- Christiana Care Health Services Inc., Wilmington, DE, USA
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23
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Ryan M, Gibbs LM, Sehgal SR. Health Support for At-Risk Older Adults during COVID-19. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1856. [PMID: 37444693 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11131856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Older adults are highly susceptible to COVID-19 infection and at the highest risk for severe disease and death. Yet, older adults lacked access to accurate and easy-to-use COVID-19 information and support early in the pandemic. This prospective, experimental cohort study sought to examine whether older adults could be engaged during the pandemic through a community partner and if a low-touch intervention, designed with health literacy best practices, could positively impact COVID-19 knowledge, mitigation behaviors, telehealth/doctor visits, exercise, and loneliness. A senior resource kit was distributed to older adults sheltering at home through food assistance program agents from October 2020 to February 2021; the kit was developed using health literacy best practices. Simple random assignment was used to divide program participants into treatment and control groups. Both groups received senior kits, but the treatment group also received telephonic health coaching. The primary outcome was COVID-19 knowledge and mitigation behaviors as derived from self-reported surveys at baseline and after four months. Secondary outcomes included a telehealth or doctor visit, exercise frequency, and a loneliness score (3-Item Loneliness Scale). Health literacy was assessed using the BRIEF screening tool. Ninety-eight older adults consented to participate in the study and 87 completed the study (88.7% completion rate). Participants had moderate clinical risk, one-third preferred the Spanish language, and 52% were categorized as having inadequate or marginal health literacy. Significant changes were found for increasing COVID-19 mitigation behaviors and the frequency of exercise across the cohort, but not for COVID-19 knowledge, telehealth visits, or decreasing loneliness. Conclusions: Partnering with a trusted entity in the community is a feasible and important strategy to reach older adults during a lockdown and provide them with easy-to-read health information and resources. If the time horizon had been longer, improvements in other outcome variables may have been achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Ryan
- Institute for Healthcare Advancement, La Habra, CA 90631, USA
| | - Lisa M Gibbs
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Family Medicine, University of California, Irvine (UCI), Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Sonia R Sehgal
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Family Medicine, University of California, Irvine (UCI), Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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24
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Jiang Y, Wang J. Technological Innovations and Data-Driven Support for Older Adults. JMIR Aging 2023; 6:e48547. [PMID: 37163345 DOI: 10.2196/48547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Entering a new digital era where novel devices and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are playing an incredible role with significant impact on health and health care delivery, JMIR Aging commits to supporting the community of patients and families, clinicians, and scientists to improve the efficiency, equity, and effectiveness of older adult care through the dissemination of cutting-edge evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Jiang
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jinjiao Wang
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochesteer, MI, United States
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25
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Cunha AS, Pedro AR, Cordeiro JV. Facilitators and barriers to access hospital medical specialty telemedicine consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2023. [PMID: 37262124 DOI: 10.2196/44188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digital transition in healthcare, which required a rapid adaptation of stakeholders. Telemedicine has emerged as an ideal tool to ensure continuity of care by allowing remote access to specialized medical services. However, its rapid implementation has exacerbated disparities in healthcare access, especially for the most vulnerable populations. OBJECTIVE To characterize the determinants factors (facilitators and barriers) of access to hospital medical specialty telemedicine consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic; to identify the main opportunities and challenges (technological, ethical, legal and/or social) generated by the use of telemedicine in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register) were searched for empirical studies published between January 3rd, 2020, and December 31st, 2021, using established criteria. The protocol of this review was registered and published in PROSPERO (CRD42022302825). A methodological quality assessment was performed, and results were integrated into a thematic synthesis. The identification of main opportunities and challenges was done by interpreting and aggregating the thematic synthesis results. RESULTS Of the 106 studies identified, 9 met the inclusion criteria and the intended quality characteristics. All studies were originally from the United States of America (USA). The following facilitating factors of telemedicine use were identified: health insurance coverage; prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection; access to Internet services; access to technological devices; better management of work-life balance; and savings in travel costs. We identified the following barriers to telemedicine use: lack of access to Internet services; lack of access to technological devices; racial and ethnic disparities; low digital literacy; low income; age; language barriers; health insurance coverage; concerns about data privacy and confidentiality; geographic disparities; and need for complementary diagnostic tests or for the delivery of test results. CONCLUSIONS The facilitating factors and barriers identified in this systematic review present different opportunities and challenges, including those of technological nature (access to technological devices and internet services, level of digital literacy), sociocultural and demographic nature (ethnic and racial disparities, geographical disparities, language barriers, age), socioeconomic nature (income level and health insurance coverage), and ethical and legal nature (data privacy and confidentiality). To expand telemedicine access to hospital-based specialty medical consultations and provide high-quality care to all, including the most vulnerable communities, the challenges identified must be thoroughly researched and addressed with informed and dedicated responses. CLINICALTRIAL
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Soraia Cunha
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Avenida Padre Cruz, Lisbon, PT
| | - Ana Rita Pedro
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal, Lisbon, PT
| | - João Valente Cordeiro
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal, Lisbon, PT
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Social Sciences (CICS.NOVA), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Lisbon, PT
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26
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Garcia Reyes EP, Kelly R, Buchanan G, Waycott J. Understanding Older Adults' Experiences With Technologies for Health Self-management: Interview Study. JMIR Aging 2023; 6:e43197. [PMID: 36943333 PMCID: PMC10131633 DOI: 10.2196/43197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many older adults now use technologies such as wearable devices and telehealth services to support their health and well-being while living independently at home. However, older adults vary in how they use these technologies, and there is a lack of knowledge regarding the motivations that influence their acceptance and use of health-related technologies in home environments. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to understand the types of technologies that older adults use to support their health and the factors that motivate them to use their chosen technologies to support their health. In addition, we aimed to understand the factors that enable the effective use of technologies for health self-management and to identify the barriers that can negatively affect the adoption of technologies. METHODS A total of 22 older adults participated in semistructured interviews regarding their experiences of using technologies for health self-management. Interview transcripts were analyzed through an in-depth thematic analysis. RESULTS The interviews revealed that a range of technologies, such as videoconferencing software, fitness trackers, and other devices, were being used by older adults to support their health. Interviews showed that participants were motivated to use technologies to monitor health issues, to stay active and connected, and to record and change their behavior in the light of foreseen risks related to their future health status. Enablers that facilitated the effective use of technologies include social and organizational influence, convenient access to health care and safety provided by the technology, and easy setup and low cost of the technology. Barriers include information overload and a sense of futility about future health decline; telehealth being an inadequate substitute for in-person consultation; concerns about trust related to privacy and accuracy; and technologies being stigmatizing, uncomfortable to use, expensive, and unfamiliar. CONCLUSIONS This study suggested that older adults were using a variety of technologies to prevent or prepare for future health decline, evidencing a resilient attitude toward health and aging. In addition, older adults were willing to continue using the technology when there was a perceived need. The enabler mentioned by most participants was the social and organizational influence that included health care staff, family, friends, and organizations. This analysis provides a better understanding of how older adults use technologies to support their health and can guide the provision of appropriate health technologies for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsy Paola Garcia Reyes
- School of Computing and Information Systems, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ryan Kelly
- School of Computing and Information Systems, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - George Buchanan
- School of Computing and Information Systems, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jenny Waycott
- School of Computing and Information Systems, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Ganguli I, Orav EJ, Hailu R, Lii J, Rosenthal MB, Ritchie CS, Mehrotra A. Patient Characteristics Associated With Being Offered or Choosing Telephone vs Video Virtual Visits Among Medicare Beneficiaries. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e235242. [PMID: 36988958 PMCID: PMC10061240 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.5242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance After the rapid expansion of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is debate about the role and reimbursement of telephone vs video visits. Missing is an understanding of what type of virtual visits clinicians may offer or patients may choose when given the option. Objective To evaluate characteristics of Medicare beneficiaries associated with practices and clinicians offering telephone visits only and patients receiving telephone visits only, when both telephone and video were available. Design, Setting, and Participants This survey study used 2019-2020 nationally representative Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey data. Participants included community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries with a usual source of medical care who attended a practice offering telemedicine. Data were analyzed from May 3 to August 23, 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify patient sociodemographic (age, sex, race, ethnicity, educational level, income, English proficiency, housing type, and number living at home), clinical (dementia, mental illness, self-rated health, hearing impairment, and vision impairment), and technology (technology access and prior use of video visits) factors associated with respondents' report of (1) practices offering telephone virtual visits only, (2) being offered telephone visits only when both video and telephone visits were available, and (3) receiving telephone visits only when both video and telephone visits were offered. Results Of 4691 respondents (representing 27 887 642 Medicare beneficiaries; mean [SD] age, 71.3[8.1] years; 55.0% female) reporting that their practice offered telemedicine, 1234 (23.3% weighted) reported that their practices offered telephone virtual visits only; factors associated with being in a practice offering telephone only included older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.62 [95% CI, 1.10-2.39] for those aged ≥85 years vs 18-64 years), male sex (aOR, 1.36 [95% CI, 1.12-1.64]), Hispanic ethnicity (aOR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.03-1.95]), lower income (aOR, 1.89 [95% CI, 1.43-2.49] for those with income ≤100% vs >200% of the federal poverty level), poor self-rated health (aOR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.01-1.56]), and less technology access (aOR, 2.05 [95% CI, 1.61-2.60] for those with low vs high access). Of the 1593 patients in practices offering both video and telephone visits, 297 (16.7% weighted) were themselves offered telephone visits only; factors associated with being offered telephone only included Hispanic ethnicity (aOR, 1.96 [95% CI, 1.13-3.41]), limited English proficiency (aOR, 3.05 [95% CI, 1.28-7.31]), and less technology access (aOR, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.00-2.81] for those with low vs high access). Finally, of the 711 respondents who were themselves offered both video and telephone visits, 304 (43.1% weighted) had a telephone visit; factors associated with receiving telephone visits only were older age (aOR, 2.68 [95% CI, 1.21-5.92] for those aged 75-84 years vs 18-64 years) and less technology access (aOR, 2.65 [95% CI, 1.12-6.25] for those with moderate vs high access]). Among those who used video calls in other settings and were offered a choice, 122 (28.5%, weighted) chose telephone visits. Conclusions and Relevance In this survey study of Medicare beneficiaries, respondents often reported being offered or choosing telephone visits even when video visits were available. Study findings suggest that policy makers and clinical leaders should support the use of telephone visits to the extent that telephone is appropriate, while addressing both practice-level and patient-level barriers to video visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishani Ganguli
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - E John Orav
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ruth Hailu
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joyce Lii
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Meredith B Rosenthal
- Department of Health Care Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Christine S Ritchie
- Mongan Institute and the Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ateev Mehrotra
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Connolly SL, Charness ME, Miller CJ. To increase patient use of video telehealth, look to clinicians. Health Serv Res 2023; 58:5-8. [PMID: 35904201 PMCID: PMC9836957 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. Connolly
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation ResearchVA Boston Healthcare SystemBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of PsychiatryHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Michael E. Charness
- Chief of Staff of the VA Boston Healthcare SystemBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of NeurologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Christopher J. Miller
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation ResearchVA Boston Healthcare SystemBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of PsychiatryHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Esber A, Teufel M, Jahre L, in der Schmitten J, Skoda EM, Bäuerle A. Predictors of patients' acceptance of video consultation in general practice during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic applying the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076221149317. [PMID: 36815005 PMCID: PMC9940186 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221149317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to an increase in remote consultations in health care. This study aimed to assess the acceptance of video consultation as an alternative to face-to-face in-office visits in general practice (GP) and to investigate its drivers and barriers. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Germany during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic from December 2020 to April 2021. Participants were recruited among patients in 16 GP surgeries. Assessed were sociodemographic and medical data as well as information and communications technology related data. Acceptance of video consultation and its predictors were determined using a modified questionnaire based on a short version of the renowned unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model. Results In total, 371 participants were included in the data analysis. Acceptance of video consultation was moderate. A hierarchical regression revealed acceptance was significantly predicted by the PHQ-2, taking no regular medication, computer proficiency, knowledge about digital health care solutions, no prior use of video consultation, and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology predictors performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence. The extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model explained significantly more variance than the restricted unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model in acceptance of video consultation. Conclusions In this study computer proficiency, existing knowledge about digital health care solutions and depressive symptoms functioned as drivers to acceptance, no prior use of video consultation could be identified as a potential barrier. Patients with regular medication have been particularly receptive to video consultation. The study confirmed the validity of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model in determining acceptance of video consultation. Considering that there is growing demand and acceptance for different approaches to engage with health care providers, additional steps should be taken to establish video consultation as a genuine alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Esber
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Teufel
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany,Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lisa Jahre
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany,Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jürgen in der Schmitten
- Institute of General Practice, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Skoda
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany,Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexander Bäuerle
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany,Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany,Alexander Bäuerle, Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Cantor AG, Nelson HD, Pappas M, Atchison C, Hatch B, Huguet N, Flynn B, McDonagh M. Telehealth for Women's Preventive Services for Reproductive Health and Intimate Partner Violence: a Comparative Effectiveness Review. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:1735-1743. [PMID: 36650334 PMCID: PMC9845023 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08033-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth delivery of preventive health services may improve access to care; however, its effectiveness and adverse effects are unknown. We conducted a comparative effectiveness review on the effectiveness and harms of telehealth interventions for women's reproductive health and intimate partner violence (IPV) services. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Scopus for English-language studies (July 2016 to May 2022) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies of telehealth strategies for women's reproductive health and IPV versus usual care. Two investigators identified studies and abstracted data using a predefined protocol. Study quality was assessed using study design-specific standardized methods; disagreements were resolved through consensus. RESULTS Eight RCTs, 1 nonrandomized trial, and 7 observational studies (n=10 731) were included (7 studies of contraceptive care and 9 of IPV services). Telehealth interventions to supplement contraceptive care demonstrated similar rates as usual care for contraceptive use, sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy (low strength of evidence [SOE]); evidence on abortion was insufficient. Outcomes were also similar between telehealth interventions to replace or supplement IPV services and comparators for repeat IPV, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, fear of partner, coercive control, self-efficacy, and safety behaviors (low SOE). In these studies, telehealth barriers included limited internet access, digital literacy, technical challenges, and confidentiality concerns. Strategies to ensure safety increased telehealth use for IPV services. Evidence on access, health equity, or harms was lacking. DISCUSSION Telehealth interventions for contraceptive care and IPV services demonstrate equivalent clinical and patient-reported outcomes versus in-person care, although few studies are available. Effective approaches for delivering these services and how to best mobilize telehealth, particularly for women facing barriers to care remain uncertain. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021282298.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy G Cantor
- Pacific Northwest Evidence-Based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC; 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA. .,Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC; 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC; 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Heidi D Nelson
- Kaiser Permanente Bernard D. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Miranda Pappas
- Pacific Northwest Evidence-Based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC; 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Chandler Atchison
- Pacific Northwest Evidence-Based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC; 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Brigit Hatch
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC; 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Nathalie Huguet
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC; 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Brittny Flynn
- Oregon Health & Science University, School of Medicine, BICC; 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Marian McDonagh
- Pacific Northwest Evidence-Based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC; 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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Carson H, Wang KH, Paek H, Hoffman P, Arakaki A, Gonzalez-Colaso R, Barakat LA, Villanueva M, Womack JA. Equity and use of telehealth modalities among people living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231218840. [PMID: 38107977 PMCID: PMC10722925 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231218840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 forced a rapid transition to telehealth. Little is known about the use of telephone versus video visits among people living with or at risk for HIV (PWH). Setting We studied electronic health record data from an urban HIV clinic. Our sample included visit- and person-level data. Visit-level data came from appointments scheduled from 30 March 2020 to 31 May 2020. Person-level data came from patients 18+ years of age who completed at least one telephone or video visit during the period of interest. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis. Our primary outcome was telehealth modality (telephone or video). We compared visit completion status by telehealth modality. We evaluated associations between patient characteristics and telehealth modality using logistic regression. Results In total, 1742 visits included information on telehealth modality: 1432 telephone (82%) and 310 (18%) video visits. 77% of telephone visits were completed compared to 75% of video visits (p = 0.449). The clinic recorded 643 completed telehealth visits in April and 623 in May 2020. The proportion of telephone visits decreased from 84% in April to 79% in May (p = 0.031). Most patients participated in telephone versus video visits (415 vs. 88 patients). Older age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37-7.82) and Black race (AOR 2.42; 95% CI, 1.20-4.49) were positively associated with telephone visits. Patient portal enrollment (AOR 0.06; 95% CI, 0.02-0.16) was negatively associated with telephone visits. Conclusion PWH used telephone more than video visits, suggesting that telephone visits are a vital healthcare resource for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Carson
- Yale School of Medicine and Yale Physician Associate Program, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Karen H. Wang
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hyung Paek
- Yale School of Medicine and Yale School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Pamela Hoffman
- Yale School of Medicine, Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Andrew Arakaki
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Lydia A Barakat
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Julie A Womack
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System and Yale School of Nursing, West Haven, CT, USA
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Huang J, Gopalan A, Muelly E, Hsueh L, Millman A, Graetz I, Reed M. Primary care video and telephone telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic: treatment and follow-up health care utilization. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MANAGED CARE 2023; 29:e13-e17. [PMID: 36716159 PMCID: PMC10997290 DOI: 10.37765/ajmc.2023.89307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Telemedicine use expanded greatly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and broad use of telemedicine is expected to persist beyond the pandemic. More evidence on the efficiency and safety of different telemedicine modalities is needed to inform clinical and policy decisions around telemedicine use. To evaluate the efficiency and safety of telemedicine, we compared treatment and follow-up care between video and telephone visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. STUDY DESIGN Observational study of patient-scheduled telemedicine visits for primary care. METHODS We used multivariate logistic regression to compare treatment (medication prescribing, laboratory/imaging orders) and 7-day follow-up care (in-person office visits, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations) between video and telephone visits, adjusted for patient characteristics. RESULTS Among 734,442 telemedicine visits, 58.4% were telephone visits. Adjusted rates of medication prescribing and laboratory/imaging orders were higher in video visits than telephone visits, with differences of 3.5% (95% CI, 3.3%-3.8%) and 3.9% (95% CI, 3.6%-4.1%), respectively. Adjusted rates of 7-day follow-up in-person office visits, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations were lower after video than telephone visits, with differences of 0.7% (95% CI, 0.5%-0.9%), 0.3% (95% CI, 0.2%-0.3%), and 0.04% (95% CI, 0.02%-0.06%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Among telemedicine visits with primary care clinicians, return visits were not common and downstream emergency events were rare. Adjusted rates of treatment measures were higher and adjusted rates of follow-up care were lower for video visits than telephone visits. Although video visits were marginally more efficient than telephone visits, telephone visits may offer an accessible option to address patient primary care needs without raising safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Huang
- Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, 2000 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612.
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In-Person Versus Video Preoperative Visit: A Randomized Clinical Trial. UROGYNECOLOGY (HAGERSTOWN, MD.) 2023; 29:58-66. [PMID: 36548105 DOI: 10.1097/spv.0000000000001259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE This study further supports virtual visits for gynecologic preoperative care. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to determine if preoperative video visits are noninferior to in-person visits in pelvic reconstructive surgery. Secondary objectives are as follows: patient satisfaction, convenience, visit duration, total perioperative visits, and patient travel time/distance. STUDY DESIGN Noninferiority randomized-controlled trial of patients undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery randomized to in-person or video counseling. The primary outcome was a composite score on the Preoperative Preparedness Questionnaire. RESULTS Demographics were similar except for higher body mass index (BMI) in the video group (29.5 vs 26.3; P = 0.01), and fewer patients in the video group used text messaging for health care delivery (40.7% vs 59.3%, P = 0.04). Video visits were noninferior to in-person visits in Preoperative Preparedness Questionnaire scores (62.5 ± 4.6 vs 63.0 ± 3.6; difference = 0.5; 95% confidence interval, -0.8, □). There was no difference in "strongly agree" response to question 11, "Overall, I feel prepared for my upcoming surgery" (79.6% vs 88.9%, P = 0.19). Satisfaction was higher for video visits based on composite Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Surgical Care Survey scores (31.3 ± 1.5 vs 30.5 ± 2, P = 0.02). Video visits were more convenient (100% vs 85.2%, P < 0.01), of shorter duration for patients (39.3 ± 14.0 minutes vs 55.9 ± 18.9 minutes; P < 0.01), and similar length for health care providers (28.8 ± 9.6 minutes vs 28.2 ± 9.8 minutes; P = 0.77). The video visit group had fewer office visits (2.0 vs 3.0, P < 0.01) and traveled 66 minutes ( P < 0.01) and 28 miles ( P < 0.01) less. CONCLUSION Preoperative video visits are noninferior to in-person visits for preparing patients for pelvic reconstructive surgery.
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Leung T, Greenhalgh T, Hughes G, Finlay T, Wherton J. Desperately Seeking Intersectionality in Digital Health Disparity Research: Narrative Review to Inform a Richer Theorization of Multiple Disadvantage. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e42358. [PMID: 36383632 PMCID: PMC9773024 DOI: 10.2196/42358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital consultations between patients and clinicians increased markedly during the COVID-19 pandemic, raising questions about equity. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to review the literature on how multiple disadvantage-specifically, older age, lower socioeconomic status, and limited English proficiency-has been conceptualized, theorized, and studied empirically in relation to digital consultations. We focused mainly on video consultations as they have wider disparities than telephone consultations and relevant data on e-consultations are sparse. METHODS Using keyword and snowball searching, we identified relevant papers published between 2012 and 2022 using Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed. The first search was completed in July 2022. Papers meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed thematically and summarized, and their key findings were tabulated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research criteria. Explanations for digital disparities were critically examined, and a search was undertaken in October 2022 to identify theoretical lenses on multiple disadvantage. RESULTS Of 663 articles from the initial search, 27 (4.1%) met our inclusion criteria. In total, 37% (10/27) were commentaries, and 63% (17/27) were peer-reviewed empirical studies (11/27, 41% quantitative; 5/27, 19% qualitative; 1/27, 4% mixed methods; 1/27, 4% systematic reviews; and 1/27, 4% narrative reviews). Empirical studies were mostly small, rapidly conducted, and briefly reported. Most studies (25/27, 93%) identified marked digital disparities but lacked a strong theoretical lens. Proposed solutions focused on identifying and removing barriers, but the authors generally overlooked the pervasive impact of multiple layers of disadvantage. The data set included no theoretically informed studies that examined how different dimensions of disadvantage combined to affect digital health disparities. In our subsequent search, we identified 3 theoretical approaches that might help account for these digital disparities. Fundamental cause theory by Link and Phelan addresses why the association between socioeconomic status and health is pervasive and persists over time. Digital capital theory by Ragnedda and Ruiu explains how people mobilize resources to participate in digitally mediated activities and services. Intersectionality theory by Crenshaw states that systems of oppression are inherently bound together, creating singular social experiences for people who bear the force of multiple adverse social structures. CONCLUSIONS A limitation of our initial sample was the sparse and undertheorized nature of the primary literature. The lack of attention to how digital health disparities emerge and play out both within and across categories of disadvantage means that solutions proposed to date may be oversimplistic and insufficient. Theories of multiple disadvantage have bearing on digital health, and there may be others of relevance besides those discussed in this paper. We call for greater interdisciplinary dialogue between theoretical research on multiple disadvantage and empirical studies on digital health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Trisha Greenhalgh
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma Hughes
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Finlay
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Wherton
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Chu C, Brual J, Fang J, Fleury C, Stamenova V, Bhattacharyya O, Tadrous M. The Use of Telemedicine in Older-Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Weekly Cross-Sectional Analysis in Ontario, Canada. Can Geriatr J 2022; 25:380-389. [PMID: 36505915 PMCID: PMC9684028 DOI: 10.5770/cgj.25.610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to rapid adoption of telemedicine for health-care service delivery. There are concerns that older adults, the highest users of the health-care system, would be left behind because of this shift. It remains unclear how the pandemic impacted telemedicine and other health-care service use in this group. We conducted a population-based, weekly cross-sectional study using administrative data from Ontario, Canada. Telemedicine use was measured for the overall older-adult population aged 65+ and across sociodemographic groups from January 2018 to March 2021. We also assessed the use of key health-care services between high and low patient users of telemedicine who were diagnosed with dementia. We found that telemedicine visits outnumbered in-person visits in older adults during the pandemic (average of 74 vs. 62 visits per 1000 per week). Of all specialties, psychiatrists delivered the most telemedicine visits, reaching 90% of visits in a week. Higher rates of telemedicine use during COVID-19 were found for patients who resided in urban regions (84 visits per 1000 per week), but no differences were found across income quintiles. Among dementia patients, high telemedicine users had higher health-care utilization than low telemedicine users (i.e., 21,108 vs. 3,276 outpatient visits per week) during the pandemic. Findings suggest that telemedicine was crucial in helping older adults, a group most vulnerable to COVID-19, maintain access to care during the pandemic. Telemedicine presents an important opportunity for older adults; however, future research should focus on barriers to equitable access and quality of care provided through telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherry Chu
- Women’s College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Toronto, ON
| | - Janette Brual
- Women’s College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Toronto, ON
| | | | - Cathleen Fleury
- Women’s College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Toronto, ON
| | - Vess Stamenova
- Women’s College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Toronto, ON
| | - Onil Bhattacharyya
- Women’s College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Toronto, ON,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Mina Tadrous
- Women’s College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Toronto, ON,ICES, Toronto, ON,Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
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Disruption to the doctor-patient relationship in primary care: a qualitative study. BJGP Open 2022; 6:BJGPO.2022.0039. [PMID: 35926888 PMCID: PMC9904786 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2022.0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Starfield described the importance of system-level components of primary care (first contact, continuous, comprehensive, coordinated), on countries' health systems. It is postulated that, at the individual level, interpersonal interactions and relationship-centred care are central to primary care. AIM To explore the impact of COVID-19 on disruption to the doctor-patient relationship and subsequent development of new models of care. DESIGN & SETTING A series of 11 cross-sectional surveys of New Zealand (NZ) urban and rural primary care doctors, nurses, and managers, from May 2020 to February 2021, to understand and monitor responses to the pandemic. METHOD Using inductive content analysis, cumulated qualitative data from doctors were examined through the lenses of the doctor-patient relationship, its disruption, and resulting changes in models of care. RESULTS There were 1519 responses to the surveys, representing 482 unique participants. The majority (86%) of responses were from doctors. The following four key themes emerged: moving to transactional consultations; task-shifting with team changes; creating a production line; and diminished communication and coordination across services. CONCLUSION The advent of the pandemic led to severe and ongoing strain on practices requiring rapid change to the model of care. Team members took on new roles for triaging, testing, and separating patients with respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms. There was a rapid move to telehealth, with policies developed on where face-to-face consultations were necessary. Practice strain was exacerbated by disruption to coordination with secondary and other referral services. As new models of general practice develop, further disruptions to development of doctor-patient relationships must be avoided. This work extends Starfield's system-level paradigm to the individual level, with the core value of primary care the doctor-patient relationship. Successful sustainable models are likely to be where relationships are treated as of central importance.
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Ribaya DNF, Cunningham A, Hersh LR, Salzman B, Parks SM. Acceptability of Telemedicine in a Geriatric Outpatient Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Telemed J E Health 2022. [DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David Nathan F. Ribaya
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amy Cunningham
- Family and Community Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lauren R. Hersh
- Family and Community Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brooke Salzman
- Family and Community Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Susan M. Parks
- Family and Community Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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D'Amico RP, Schnell PM, Foraker R, Olayiwola JN, Jonas DE, Brill SB. Evolution of primary care telehealth disparities during COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 25:e43965. [PMID: 37146176 DOI: 10.2196/43965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth has become widely utilized as a novel way to provide outpatient care during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, but data about telehealth use in primary care remains limited. Studies in other specialties raise concerns that telehealth may be widening existing healthcare disparities, requiring further scrutiny of trends in telehealth utilization. OBJECTIVE Our study aims to further characterize sociodemographic differences in primary care utilization via telehealth compared to in-person office visits before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and determine if these disparities changed throughout 2020. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a large U.S. academic center with 46 primary care practices from April-December 2019 and April-December 2020. Data were subdivided into calendar quarters and compared to determine evolving disparities throughout the year. We queried and compared billed outpatient encounters in General Internal Medicine and Family Medicine via binary logic mixed effects regression model and estimated odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (OR, 95% CI). We used sex, race, and ethnicity of the patient attending each encounter as fixed effects. We analyzed socioeconomic status of patients in the institution's primary county based on the zip code the patient was residing in. RESULTS A total of 81,822 encounters in the pre-COVID-19 timeframe and 47,994 encounters in the intra-COVID-19 timeframe were analyzed; in the intra-COVID-19 timeframe, a total of 5,322 (11.1%) were telehealth encounters. Patients living in zip codes with high supplemental nutritional assistance usage were less likely to utilize primary care in the intra-COVID-19 timeframe (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.98, P= .006). Encounters with the following patients were less likely to be via telehealth compared to in-person office visits- patients who self-identified as Asian (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.63-0.86) and Nepali (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.19-0.72), patients insured by Medicare (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.68-0.88), and patients living in zip codes with high supplemental nutritional assistance usage (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71-0.99). Many of these disparities persisted throughout the year. While there was no statistically significant difference in telehealth utilization for patients insured by Medicaid throughout the whole year, sub analysis of quarter 4 found encounters with patients insured by Medicaid were less likely to be via telehealth (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55-0.97, P=.03). CONCLUSIONS Telehealth was not utilized equally by all patients within primary care throughout the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically by patients who self-identified as Asian and Nepali, were insured by Medicare, and lived in zip codes with low socioeconomic status. As the COVID-19 pandemic and telehealth infrastructure change, it is critical we continue to reassess the utilization of telehealth. Institutions should continue to monitor disparities in telehealth access, and advocate for policy changes that may improve equity. CLINICALTRIAL
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel P D'Amico
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 395 W 12th Ave, Columbus, US
| | - Patrick M Schnell
- Division of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, US
| | - Randi Foraker
- Division of General Medical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, US
| | | | - Daniel E Jonas
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 395 W 12th Ave, Columbus, US
| | - Seuli Bose Brill
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 395 W 12th Ave, Columbus, US
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Chen PV, Helm A, Caloudas SG, Ecker A, Day G, Hogan J, Lindsay J. Evidence of Phone vs Video-Conferencing for Mental Health Treatments: A Review of the Literature. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2022; 24:529-539. [PMID: 36053400 PMCID: PMC9437398 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01359-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this paper is to provide a comparative review of using phone (audio-only) or video for mental health treatments. Our review includes evidence of phone and video's effectiveness in terms of reduced symptomology, retention, satisfaction, therapeutic alliance, and other outcomes of interest. This review also discusses how patients and providers' experiences and attitudes differ between these two modalities. Finally, we present information on different usage rates of phone and video across patient populations and mental health provider types, and different implementation strategies. RECENT FINDINGS Treatments through phone and video are both able to reduce symptoms related to mental health conditions and have both been found to be non-inferior to in-person care. Both phone and video are more convenient to patients. Video offers important visual information that can be important to diagnosing mental health conditions. Phone, however, is more broadly accessible and may come with fewer technological issues. In the context of mental health care, where non-verbal cues are tied to symptomology and diagnosing, and a strong relationship between patient and provider can enhance treatment, we encourage the use of video, especially for psychotherapeutic services. However, as phone is more accessible, we ultimately recommend an accommodating approach, one that flexibly makes use of both phone and video. Future studies on telehealth should focus on direct, head-to-head comparisons between phone and video and conduct more rigorous testing on whether clinical differences exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia V Chen
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Margaret M. and Albert B Alkek Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Ashley Helm
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Steve G Caloudas
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anthony Ecker
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Giselle Day
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Julianna Hogan
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jan Lindsay
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Houston, TX, USA
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Dennett AM, Taylor NF, Williams K, Lewis AK, Brann P, Hope JD, Wilton AM, Harding KE. Consumer perspectives of telehealth in ambulatory care in an Australian health network. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:1903-1912. [PMID: 34558144 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to explore consumer experiences of ambulatory telehealth services and whether consumer experiences differed according to whether they received their consultation using telephone or video technology. We conducted structured telephone interviews with patient consumers who had received a recent remote consultation by telephone or video call, at local ambulatory allied health or multidisciplinary services within a large public metropolitan public health network. Respondents were asked about their recent experience and future choices in relation to telehealth. Responses from consumers who received telephone and video consultations were compared. Consumers from community rehabilitation, community health, allied health outpatients, multidisciplinary specialist clinics and mental health services participated (n = 379), of whom 245 received a telephone consultation (65%) and 134 a video consultation (35%). Almost half of respondents (49%) expressed preference for future face-to-face care and 29% reported they would choose to use telehealth over face-to-face consultation for a similar appointment again. Many commented that they would be influenced by the type of consultation required and expressed a desire to have a choice. Approximately 80% of both groups reported they had achieved the desired outcome from their telehealth consultation. Consumers using video were more likely to experience technical issues. Telehealth met the needs of most consumers, and responses were similar for telephone and video consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Dennett
- Department of Allied Health, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Vic., Australia
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia
| | - Nicholas F Taylor
- Department of Allied Health, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Vic., Australia
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia
| | | | - Annie K Lewis
- Department of Allied Health, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Vic., Australia
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia
| | - Peter Brann
- Department of Allied Health, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Vic., Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Judith D Hope
- Department of Allied Health, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Vic., Australia
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Anita M Wilton
- Department of Allied Health, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Vic., Australia
| | - Katherine E Harding
- Department of Allied Health, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Vic., Australia
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia
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Freytag J, Touchett HN, Bryan JL, Lindsay JA, Gould CE. Advances in Psychotherapy for Older Adults Using Video-to-Home Treatment. ADVANCES IN PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 2022; 2:71-78. [PMID: 38013747 PMCID: PMC9458515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypsc.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Providing telemental health services to older adults has become especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Video-to-home (VTH) treatment is an effective treatment modality; research shows that older adults are open to using VTH. However, there are unique barriers to using VTH with older adults. Barriers include access to technology, acceptance of technology, and physical and cognitive limitations. Additional concerns include establishing rapport with older patients and the policy and ethical concerns surrounding the use of VTH. Methods of addressing these barriers have been developed, and more research is needed to develop evidence-based VTH practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Freytag
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, (MEDVAMC 152), 2002 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, 2200 Fort Roots Drive, Bldg. 58, North Little Rock, AR 72114, USA
| | - Hilary N Touchett
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, (MEDVAMC 152), 2002 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, 2200 Fort Roots Drive, Bldg. 58, North Little Rock, AR 72114, USA
| | - Jennifer L Bryan
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, (MEDVAMC 152), 2002 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, 2200 Fort Roots Drive, Bldg. 58, North Little Rock, AR 72114, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 291 Campus Drive, Li Ka Shing Building, Stanford, CA 94305-5101, USA
| | - Jan A Lindsay
- Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, (MEDVAMC 152), 2002 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, 2200 Fort Roots Drive, Bldg. 58, North Little Rock, AR 72114, USA
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Lee and Joe Jamail Specialty Care Center, 1977 Butler Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Christine E Gould
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1207, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 291 Campus Drive, Li Ka Shing Building, Stanford, CA 94305-5101, USA
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Shee K, Liu AW, Yarbrough C, Branagan L, Pierce L, Odisho AY. Identifying Barriers to Successful Completion of Video Telemedicine Visits in Urology. Urology 2022; 169:17-22. [PMID: 35981658 PMCID: PMC9376975 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2022.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The utilization of video telemedicine has dramatically increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, significant social and technological barriers have led to disparities in access. We aimed to identify factors associated with patient inability to successfully initiate a video visit across a high-volume urologic practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Video visit completion rates and patient characteristics were extracted from the electronic medical record and linked with census-level socioeconomic data. Associations between video visit failure were identified using multivariate regression modeling and random forest ensemble classification modeling. RESULTS 6,086 patients and their first video visits were analyzed. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, Hispanic or Latino patients (OR 0.52, 95%CI 0.31-0.89), patients insured by Medicare (OR 0.46, 95%CI 0.26-0.79) or Medicaid (OR 0.50, 95%CI 0.29-0.87), patients of low socioeconomic status (OR 0.98, 95%CI 0.98-0.99), patients with an un-activated MyChart patient portal (OR 0.43, 95%CI 0.29-0.62), and patients unconfirmed at appointment reminder (OR 0.68, 95%CI 0.48-0.96) were significantly associated with video visit failure. Patients with primary diagnosis category of men's health (OR 47.96, 95%CI 10.24-856.35), and lower urinary tract syndromes (OR 2.69, 95%CI 1.66-4.51) were significantly associated with video visit success. Random forest analyses identified insurance status and socioeconomic status as the top predictors of video visit failure. CONCLUSIONS An analysis of a Urology video telemedicine cohort reveals clinical and demographic disparities in video visit completion and priorities for future interventions to ensure equity of access. Our study further suggests that specific urologic indications may play a role in success or failure of video visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Shee
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Andrew W Liu
- Center for Digital Health Innovation, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Carol Yarbrough
- Telehealth Resource Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Linda Branagan
- Telehealth Resource Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Logan Pierce
- Center for Digital Health Innovation, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Anobel Y Odisho
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Center for Digital Health Innovation, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
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Inequity in Access and Delivery of Virtual Care Interventions: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159411. [PMID: 35954768 PMCID: PMC9367842 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this review were to map and summarize the existing evidence from a global perspective about inequity in access and delivery of virtual care interventions and to identify strategies that may be adopted by virtual care services to address these inequities. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL using both medical subject headings (MeSH) and free-text keywords for empirical studies exploring inequity in ambulatory services offered virtually. Forty-one studies were included, most of them cross-sectional in design. Included studies were extracted using a customized extraction tool, and descriptive analysis was performed. The review identified widespread differences in accessing and using virtual care interventions among cultural and ethnic minorities, older people, socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, people with limited digital and/or health literacy, and those with limited access to digital devices and good connectivity. Potential solutions addressing these barriers identified in the review included having digitally literate caregivers present during virtual care appointments, conducting virtual care appointments in culturally sensitive manner, and having a focus on enhancing patients’ digital literacy. We identified evidence-based practices for virtual care interventions to ensure equity in access and delivery for their virtual care patients.
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Tobin ET, Hadwiger A, DiChiara A, Entz A, Miller-Matero LR. Demographic Predictors of Telehealth Use for Integrated Psychological Services in Primary Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2022; 10:1492-1498. [PMID: 35794514 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01334-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, growing mental health needs were well documented, particularly those of diverse patient populations. The current study aims to better understand racial and psychosocial factors associated with patient utilization of integrated psychological services via telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic within a diverse primary care clinic. METHODS Retrospective chart reviews were completed for patients seen by an integrated psychology team within a general internal medicine clinic at a large urban health system during the year 2020. Demographics were extracted from the medical record. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine demographic predictors for (1) telehealth video visits vs. audio only telehealth visits and (2) in-person vs. telehealth visits (both video and audio). RESULTS Older patients, Black patients, and those with Medicare and Medicaid were more likely to complete audio only telehealth visits vs. video visits. There were no significant demographic predictors when comparing in-person vs. telehealth (both video and audio). DISCUSSION Some underserved and vulnerable patient populations are more likely to utilize audio-only integrated psychological visits to video visits. The utilization of audio visits over video for certain demographics speaks to the need to better understand how this type of care may benefit psychological services in the future and continued advocacy to extend audio mental health visits beyond the public health emergency to address patient populations with significant mental health needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin T Tobin
- General Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health, 2799 W Grand Blvd, K15, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA. .,Behavioral Health, Henry Ford Health, One Ford Place, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA.
| | - Ashley Hadwiger
- General Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health, 2799 W Grand Blvd, K15, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA.,Behavioral Health, Henry Ford Health, One Ford Place, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Alexander DiChiara
- General Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health, 2799 W Grand Blvd, K15, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA.,Behavioral Health, Henry Ford Health, One Ford Place, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Abigail Entz
- General Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health, 2799 W Grand Blvd, K15, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Lisa R Miller-Matero
- Behavioral Health, Henry Ford Health, One Ford Place, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA.,Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health, One Ford Place, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
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Stamenova V, Budhwani S, Soobiah C, Fujioka J, Khan R, Liu R, Halperin I, Bhatia RS, Desveaux L. Hospital-based ambulatory clinic adoption of video and telephone visits before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a convergent mixed-methods study. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATED CARE 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/jica-01-2022-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this study is to understand virtual care use (e.g. telephone and video visits) during the COVID-19 pandemic across three hospital-based ambulatory clinics (i.e. mental health, renal and respiratory care) and to describe associated patient and provider experiences.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods convergent study was conducted including quantitative electronic medical records data on virtual care use, electronic surveys assessing domains of experience (e.g. satisfaction, acceptance and technology use) among patient and providers and semi-structured interviews exploring the associated barriers and facilitators of virtual care adoption.FindingsVirtual care adoption rates and relative modality use (telephone vs video) varied across specialty clinics. Mental health clinics) showed the greatest use of virtual care and greater use of video over telephone, as compared to renal and respiratory care, where telephone was used almost exclusively. Patients and providers reported an overall good satisfaction and acceptance of virtual care (60–72%) across clinics, but commonly observed barriers (technical problems, behavioral adaptations needed and inequity) persisted. Good value propositions, tech support and the presence of early adopters who can support others in workflow re-design and highlight value propositions of virtual care were listed as adoption facilitators.Originality/valueThe study provides a unique opportunity to compare the rate of virtual care adoption before and during the COVID-19 pandemic across distinct specialties that operate within the same organizational and political setting. This study showed that the nature of the condition (e.g. mental health conditions) and the characteristics of the users (e.g. younger patients) may drive models of care with higher rate of video use. Focusing on removing common barriers, like providing tech support and ensuring equitable access to patients, continues to be important even in the context of high virtual care adoption rates during the pandemic.
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46
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Gately ME, Tickle-Degnen L, McLaren JE, Ward N, Ladin K, Moo LR. Factors Influencing Barriers and Facilitators to In-home Video Telehealth for Dementia Management. Clin Gerontol 2022; 45:1020-1033. [PMID: 34096477 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2021.1930316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Quality dementia care, which recognizes caregivers as vital care partners, is a scarce resource. Innovative solutions like video telehealth may increase the reach of extant clinicians; however, little is known about perceived barriers and facilitators to in-home video telehealth for dementia management from the perspectives of caregivers. METHODS Twenty-four caregivers of community-dwelling Veterans with dementia participated in semi-structured interviews. Questions gathered perceived facilitators and barriers to in-home video telehealth for dementia management through experience with related technology. Transcripts were analyzed using directed content analysis which was guided by factors previously identified as influencing older adults' adoption of technology. RESULTS Caregiver experience with related technology was mostly facilitative to video telehealth, which was thought best suited for follow-up care. Increased access and decreased patient-caregiver stress were potential benefits. Barriers included perceived limitations of video and the belief that persons with dementia would have limited ability to manage technological aspects and to engage in video telehealth on their own. CONCLUSIONS This study improves our understanding of the factors that caregivers perceive as barriers and facilitators to in-home video telehealth for dementia management. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Strategies to optimize video telehealth include capitalizing on caregivers' social network and providing targeted training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Gately
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Linda Tickle-Degnen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jaye E McLaren
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nathan Ward
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Keren Ladin
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Community Health, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauren R Moo
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Hossain M, Dean EB, Kaliski D. Using Administrative Data to Examine Telemedicine Usage Among Medicaid Beneficiaries During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic. Med Care 2022; 60:488-495. [PMID: 35679172 PMCID: PMC9172580 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated the replacement of in-person physician consultations with telemedicine. During the pandemic, Medicaid covered the cost of telemedicine visits. OBJECTIVES The aim was to measure the adoption of telemedicine during the pandemic. We focus on key patient subgroups including those with chronic conditions, those living in urban versus rural areas, and different age groups. METHODS This study examined the universe of claims made by Florida Medicaid beneficiaries (n=2.4 million) between January 2019 and July 2020. Outpatient visits were identified as in-person or telemedicine. Telemedicine visits were classified into audio-visual or audio-only visits. RESULTS We find that telemedicine offsets much of the decline in in-person outpatient visits among Florida's Medicaid enrollees, however, uptake differs by enrollee type. High utilizers of care and beneficiaries with chronic conditions were significantly more likely to use telemedicine, while enrollees living in rural areas and health professional shortage areas were moderately less likely to use telemedicine. Elderly Medicaid recipients (dual-eligibles) used audio-only telemedicine visits at higher rates than other age groups, and the demand for these consultations is more persistent. CONCLUSIONS Telemedicine offset the decline in health care utilization among Florida's Medicaid-enrolled population during the novel coronavirus pandemic, with particularly high uptake among those with prior histories of high utilization. Audio-only visits are a potentially important method of delivery for the oldest Medicaid beneficiaries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma B Dean
- Department of Health Management and Policy, Miami Herbert Business School, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Daniel Kaliski
- Department of Economics, Mathematics, and Statistics, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
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Mao A, Tam L, Xu A, Osborn K, Sheffrin M, Gould C, Schillinger E, Martin M, Mesias M. Barriers to Telemedicine Video Visits for Older Adults in Independent Living Facilities: Mixed Methods Cross-sectional Needs Assessment. JMIR Aging 2022; 5:e34326. [PMID: 35438648 PMCID: PMC9066341 DOI: 10.2196/34326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the increasing availability of telemedicine video visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults have greater challenges in getting care through telemedicine. Objective We aim to better understand the barriers to telemedicine in community-dwelling older adults to improve the access to and experience of virtual visits. Methods We conducted a mixed methods needs assessment of older adults at two independent living facilities (sites A and B) in Northern California between September 2020 and March 2021. Voluntary surveys were distributed. Semistructured interviews were then conducted with participants who provided contact information. Surveys ascertained participants’ preferred devices as well as comfort level, support, and top barriers regarding telephonic and video visits. Qualitative analysis of transcribed interviews identified key themes. Results Survey respondents’ (N=249) average age was 84.6 (SD 6.6) years, and 76.7% (n=191) of the participants were female. At site A, 88.9% (111/125) had a bachelor’s degree or beyond, and 99.2% (124/125) listed English as their preferred language. At site B, 42.9% (51/119) had a bachelor’s degree or beyond, and 13.4% (16/119) preferred English, while 73.1% (87/119) preferred Mandarin. Regarding video visits, 36.5% (91/249) of all participants felt comfortable connecting with their health care team through video visits. Regarding top barriers, participants at site A reported not knowing how to connect to the platform (30/125, 24%), not being familiar with the technology (28/125, 22.4%), and having difficulty hearing (19/125, 15.2%), whereas for site B, the top barriers were not being able to speak English well (65/119, 54.6%), lack of familiarity with technology and the internet (44/119, 36.9%), and lack of interest in seeing providers outside of the clinic (42/119, 35.3%). Three key themes emerged from the follow-up interviews (n=15): (1) the perceived limitations of video visits, (2) the overwhelming process of learning the technology for telemedicine, and (3) the desire for in-person or on-demand help with telemedicine. Conclusions Substantial barriers exist for older adults in connecting with their health care team through telemedicine, particularly through video visits. The largest barriers include difficulty with technology or using the video visit platform, hearing difficulty, language barriers, and lack of desire to see providers virtually. Efforts to improve telemedicine access for older adults should take into account patient perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Mao
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.,On Lok Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Lydia Tam
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Audrey Xu
- Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Kim Osborn
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Meera Sheffrin
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Christine Gould
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veteran's Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Standford, CA, United States
| | - Erika Schillinger
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Marina Martin
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Matthew Mesias
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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Chu C, Nayyar D, Bhattacharyya O, Martin D, Agarwal P, Mukerji G. Patient and provider experience with virtual care in a large, ambulatory care hospital in Ontario, Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic: An observational study (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e38604. [PMID: 36194862 PMCID: PMC9605083 DOI: 10.2196/38604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Virtual care use increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of that shift on patient and provider experiences is unclear. Objective We evaluated patient and provider experiences with virtual visits across an academic, ambulatory hospital in Toronto, Canada and assessed predictors of positive experience with virtual care. Methods Survey data were analyzed from consenting patients who attended at least one virtual visit (video or telephone) and from consenting providers who delivered at least one virtual visit. Distributions for demographic variables and responses to survey questions are reported, with statistical significance assessed using chi-square tests and t tests. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to identify any patient predictors of responses. Results During the study period, 253 patients (mean age 45.1, SD 15.6 years) completed 517 video visit surveys, and 147 patients (mean age 41.6, SD 16.4 years) completed 209 telephone visit surveys. A total of 75 and 94 providers completed the survey in June 2020 and June 2021, respectively. On a scale from 1 to 10 regarding likelihood to recommend virtual care to others, fewer providers rated a score of 8 or above compared with patients (providers: 62/94, 66% for video and 49/94, 52% for telephone; patients: 415/517, 80% for video and 150/209, 72% for telephone). Patients of non-White ethnicity had lower odds of rating a high score of 9 or 10 compared with White patients (odds ratio 0.52, 95% CI 0.28-0.99). Conclusions Patient experiences with virtual care were generally positive, but provider experiences were less so. Findings suggest potential differences in patient experience by ethnicity, warranting further investigation into equity concerns with virtual care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherry Chu
- Women's College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dhruv Nayyar
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Onil Bhattacharyya
- Women's College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Danielle Martin
- Women's College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Payal Agarwal
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Geetha Mukerji
- Women's College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Dang S, Muralidhar K, Li S, Tang F, Mintzer M, Ruiz J, Valencia WM. Gap in Willingness and Access to Video Visit Use Among Older High-risk Veterans: Cross-sectional Study. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e32570. [PMID: 35394440 PMCID: PMC9034417 DOI: 10.2196/32570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The recent shift to video care has exacerbated disparities in health care access, especially among high-need, high-risk (HNHR) adults. Developing data-driven approaches to improve access to care necessitates a deeper understanding of HNHR adults’ attitudes toward telemedicine and technology access. Objective This study aims to identify the willingness, access, and ability of HNHR veterans to use telemedicine for health care. Methods WWe designed a questionnaire conducted via mail or telephone or in person. Among HNHR veterans who were identified using predictive modeling with national Veterans Affairs data, we assessed willingness to use video visits for health care, access to necessary equipment, and comfort with using technology. We evaluated physical health, including frailty, physical function, performance of activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL); mental health; and social needs, including Area Deprivation Index, transportation, social support, and social isolation. Results The average age of the 602 HNHR veteran respondents was 70.6 (SD 9.2; range 39-100) years; 99.7% (600/602) of the respondents were male, 61% (367/602) were White, 36% (217/602) were African American, 17.3% (104/602) were Hispanic, 31.2% (188/602) held at least an associate degree, and 48.2% (290/602) were confident filling medical forms. Of the 602 respondents, 327 (54.3%) reported willingness for video visits, whereas 275 (45.7%) were unwilling. Willing veterans were younger (P<.001) and more likely to have an associate degree (P=.002), be health literate (P<.001), live in socioeconomically advantaged neighborhoods (P=.048), be independent in IADLs (P=.02), and be in better physical health (P=.04). A higher number of those willing were able to use the internet and email (P<.001). Of the willing veterans, 75.8% (248/327) had a video-capable device. Those with video-capable technology were younger (P=.004), had higher health literacy (P=.01), were less likely to be African American (P=.007), were more independent in ADLs (P=.005) and IADLs (P=.04), and were more adept at using the internet and email than those without the needed technology (P<.001). Age, confidence in filling forms, general health, and internet use were significantly associated with willingness to use video visits. Conclusions Approximately half of the HNHR respondents were unwilling for video visits and a quarter of those willing lacked requisite technology. The gap between those willing and without requisite technology is greater among older, less health literate, African American veterans; those with worse physical health; and those living in more socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Our study highlights that HNHR veterans have complex needs, which risk being exacerbated by the video care shift. Although technology holds vast potential to improve health care access, certain vulnerable populations are less likely to engage, or have access to, technology. Therefore, targeted interventions are needed to address this inequity, especially among HNHR older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuti Dang
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, FL, United States.,Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States.,The Elizabeth Dole Center of Excellence for Veteran and Caregiver Research, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Kiranmayee Muralidhar
- Department of Epidemiology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Shirley Li
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Fei Tang
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Michael Mintzer
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Jorge Ruiz
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, FL, United States.,Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Willy Marcos Valencia
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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