Continuous Telehealth Guidance is Needed to Transform Healthcare

A July report from The Brookings Institute, The Roadmap to Telehealth Efficacy: Care, Health, and Digital Equities, stated that continuous telehealth guidance along with healthcare flexibilities are essential for system optimization.

According to the report, the government was highly efficient during the process of implementing telehealth at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, regarding the future, it is expected that further adjustments will be necessary to accommodate changes.

 Telehealth is  “the delivery of healthcare services, where distance is a critical factor, by all healthcare professionals using information and communication technologies for the exchange of valid information for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease and injuries, research, and evaluation, and for the continuing education of healthcare providers, all in the interests of advancing the health of individuals and their communities,” the World Health Organization writes on its website.

While using telehealth to perform healthcare advancements, there are various steps to take and factors to consider. Brookings suggested the use of a “telehealth 2.0 roadmap,” which would align different steps focusing on telehealth access, disparities, and value.

For example, the report discussed that further communication between state and federal governments is necessary, as it will provide more clarity regarding policies. Policies may relate to reimbursement, licensure, and modalities, and how providers often skew toward certain methods of care due to limited financial support.

Regarding the future of telehealth, many expansion bills remain pending . However, many states agree they need to integrate telehealth into the healthcare system and extend flexibilities toimprove.

The proposed plan also suggests the use of a triaged approach, aiming to reduce disparities and close the digital divide.The plan also expresses the potential of eliminating inequities, particularly among people of color. In communities with a predominantly Black population, healthcare is often sparser due to the smaller number of providers and hospitals. However, telehealth may be able to expand outreach, providing solid resources for underserved areas.

Along these lines, telehealth is also conducive to closing the digital divide. This is largely credited to government programs such as the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides devices and assistance to underserved areas.

Recently, various efforts have centered around eliminating disparities and discrimination while using telehealth.

For example, in August 2022, theDepartment of Health and Human Services collaborated with the US Department of Justice to establish telehealth guidance. Their efforts centered around the elimination of discrimination within telehealth by adjusting policies and supporting those who are underserved.

Another report from June 2022 discussed how there are several options for overcoming barriers to care, such as leading patients to the Federal Broadband Program, and increasing the number of community health workers and patient experience navigators.