Healthcare access

[image] Doctor pointing on a large display. Healthcare access.

[Audio] The target audience for health promotion of this issue is broad, encompassing agencies at the federal level to community organizations. The audience was selected because each of these groups will benefit from the implementation of telemedicine services. They have resources to contribute to getting policies changed, getting the community involved, and disseminating information to patients and the community about telemedicine services to reduce costs, increase care equity, and ultimately, improve health outcomes..

[Audio] Data from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2018) indicate that transportation barriers significantly impact healthcare access, leading to poorer health outcomes. According to the American Hospital Association (A-H-A--), approximately 3.6 million people in the United States miss or delay medical care each year due to transportation issues (AHA, 2024). Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Community Health found that lack of transportation is a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly in rural and underserved urban areas (Syed, Gerber, & Sharp, 2013). National Center for Health Statistics. National Health Interview Survey: 2022 survey description. 2023. Available from: cdc Documentation/NHIS/2022/srvydesc-508.pdf.

[Audio] Prioritizing telemedicine can lead to: Improved access to underserved populations Reduced healthcare disparities Enhanced patient satisfaction and engagement Lower healthcare costs due to reduced need for emergency care and hospitalizations Timely, convenient, and diverse specialty healthcare services.

[Audio] Rural residents: Limited public transportation options and long distances to healthcare facilities. Low-income individuals: Financial constraints that limit access to private transportation. Elderly and disabled individuals: Physical limitations that make travel difficult. Minority communities: Disproportionate impact due to socioeconomic factors (Syed and others, 2013). Individuals with chronic health conditions Telemedicine offers a solution by allowing patients to receive care remotely, thus eliminating the need for extensive travel or travel altogether..

[Audio] A research strategy for increasing access to telemedicine for individuals without transportation is establishing a community telemedicine station. These stations could be set up in accessible locations within the community, ensuring that all individuals can visit stations for their telemedicine appointments regardless of their transportation situation. Aiding and training for telemedicine technology can also help bridge the gap for those without transportation access, and technology can help integrate telemedicine into the socio-cultural fabric of the community, making it more acceptable and accessible for those without transportation. However, collaborations with local transportation services or ridesharing programs can also be explored by addressing socio-cultural barriers and ensuring individuals can reach centralized telemedicine locations. These strategies can help ensure that individuals without transportation access can still benefit from telemedicine services, promoting inclusivity in healthcare. Socio-cultural factors are integral in promoting telemedicine for individuals without transportation access. When community telemedicine stations are set up, socio-cultural barriers can be addressed effectively. This also ensures that individuals can easily visit these stations for telemedicine appointments, regardless of transportation limitations. Linguistic research-based strategies in telemedicine include providing multilingual support for telemedicine services. This may consist of interpretation services and services for translated educational materials to ensure that individuals with limited English proficiency can fully understand and participate in telemedicine appointments. It can also use video conferencing platforms that support multiple languages and provide training for healthcare professionals on effective communication with diverse patient populations, enhancing linguistic responsiveness in telemedicine. Integrating culturally competent care practices and considering patients' linguistic and cultural preferences can contribute to more effective and inclusive telemedicine interventions..

[Audio] Some resources needed to promote telemedicine are secure software or platforms that allow for video consultations, secure messaging, file sharing, and other secure features. An electronic health records system that can access patient records, manage appointments, and streamline documentation is also needed. High-speed internet that allows reliable connectivity is needed to ensure a stable and uninterrupted connection during virtual consultations. HIPPA-compliant technology must adhere to strict privacy and security standards to protect patient information. Resources are needed to train staff on telemedicine technology, protocols, and best practices. Everyone needs to know the legal and regulatory compliance requirements for telemedicine in your region. Also needed are reimbursement and billing systems for insurance claims and reimbursement for telemedicine services Patients also need resources for education and outreach materials about telemedicine services, how to access them, and what to expect from them. The Cost The cost of telemedicine can vary depending on several factors such as the telemedicine platform or software used, the scale of the telemedicine program, integration with electronic health records (E-H-R--) systems, training and support, regulatory compliance, and ongoing maintenance and support. Costs may include equipment such as cameras, monitors, and other hardware. It is essential to consider subscription or licensing fees for the telemedicine platform and any setup or implementation costs. Some platforms may charge based on the number of providers or users, while others may have a per-consultation fee structure. Integration with E-H-R systems may incur additional costs, and ongoing maintenance and support for the telemedicine technology should be included. Staff training and education, as well as patient education and outreach materials, may also contribute to the overall cost of implementing telemedicine services. There is no dollar cost to telemedicine services; the price can vary depending on the provider, the type of service, and the insurance coverage. It is best to check with your healthcare provider or insurance company for an accurate cost estimate..

Health Literacy Connections. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).