Patient Characteristics Strongly Tied to Telehealth Use

While researching the role of telehealth in family medicine clinics, a study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine (JABFM) found that, unlike provider characteristics, patient characteristics play a significant role in determining telehealth usage.

The study consisted of 37, 428 patients representing a total of 106,567 encounters, along with 42 providers. Researchers used EMR data belonging to these subjects to create a three-level mixed-effects logistic regression model.

Patient characteristics are strongly correlated with the extent of telehealth use, the study found. Compared to Hispanic patients, non-Hispanic White patients were 61 percent more likely to participate in a telemedicine visit, and non-Hispanic Black patients were 32 percent more likely.

Insurance status also played a role in determining the probability of using telehealth, as uninsured patients were less likely to engage in it.

In addition, location of residency was a significant determining factor, as patients who resided in metropolitan areas and medically underserved areas (MUAs) were more likely to use telehealth. Additionally, commute time had an effect, as the further away a patient lived from a clinical location, the higher their odds of telehealth use.

However, while reviewing the relationship between telemedicine use and provider characteristics, such as specialty and years of experience, researchers could not establish an association.

They concluded that reviewing patient characteristics is critical when designing telehealth intervention strategies. This is especially necessary for reaching patients living in MUAs who need alternate care methods.

Regarding limitations, there are various factors of the study that potentially lead it to a lack of generalizability. For example, the collection of data from a network in Texas may limit the applicability of study findings, COVID-19 restrictions may have affected data, and the fact that information regarding languages spoken and medical conditions was not collected.

In the past, various efforts have aimed to expand care access in MUAs through the implementation of new telehealth strategies.

For example, in October 2020, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) implemented digital health training programs at telehealth training centers within the state. This project followed a $1 million grant when UAMS recognized the need for patients and providers to learn more about telehealth technology, how to use it, and how those living in underserved areas can benefit from it.

Further, rural providers are doubling down on telehealth expansion. In April, the Department of Agriculture awarded $43 million to support rural providers amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and many said they will use the funds to implement and grow telehealth capabilities.