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Using Telehealth to Meet the Unique Needs of Rural Communities
Aldrich, Lindsay Braidt, Jack J. Burke, John S. Kelly, Ryan P. Knight, Kelly J. O'Neill, Elizabeth M. Ramirez, Virginia S. Sarriera-Valentin, Gabriela F.
Aldrich, Lindsay
Braidt, Jack J.
Burke, John S.
Kelly, Ryan P.
Knight, Kelly J.
O'Neill, Elizabeth M.
Ramirez, Virginia S.
Sarriera-Valentin, Gabriela F.
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Abstract
Introduction: Many Vermonters report difficulties in accessing healthcare, and telehealth became a widespread solution during the COVID-19 pandemic. The continued use of telehealth may improve health disparities for Vermonters. The objective of this study was to investigate perspectives on telehealth among patients and healthcare providers. Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study design was used. Provider surveys were distributed via e-mail and patient surveys were distributed via Front Porch Forum throughout Vermont. A major limitation of the study is that this was a convenience sample and may not equally represent all Vermont practitioners and patients. Results: Scheduling appointments was 2.04 times easier for those with private insurance vs public insurance (P< 0.05), and was 2.57 times easier for those < 60 years old compared to those ≥60 years old (P< 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between Chittenden County and the remainder of Vermont. 73% of providers agreed that telehealth has led to improvements in patient outcomes, and pediatricians were twice as likely to be satisfied with their patient interactions via telehealth. Conclusion: Overall, most patients in our study were satisfied with their telehealth interactions (72%) and agreed that telehealth expanded their access to healthcare (60%). The lack of significant differences in our study between Chittenden County and the remainder of Vermont may be due to variations in public/private insurance, internet access, and specialists under-utilizing telehealth. The biggest concerns among respondents were the lack of physical exams via telehealth, which could be addressed through patient and provider education and the use of at-home technologies.
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Date
2022-01-01