Exploring the role of telehealth in providing equitable healthcare to the vulnerable patient population during COVID-19

• Published in: Journal of telemedicine and telecare p. 1357633X221113711
• Main Authors: Shah, Dania A, Sall, Dana, Peng, Wesley, Sharer, Rustan, Essary, Alison C, Radhakrishnan, Priya
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.07.2024
• Subjects: COVID-19, pandemic; health equity; Telehealth; under-represented minority; vulnerable population
• ISSN: 1758-1109
• DOI: 10.1177/1357633X221113711

The COVID 19 pandemic resulted in widespread telehealth implementation. Existent health disparities were widened, with under-represented minorities (URM) disproportionately affected by COVID. In this study, we assess the role of telehealth in improving access to care in the URMs and vulnerable populations. We noted a statistically significant increase in the number of visits in Hispanic or Latino patients (15.2% increase,  < 0.01) and Black patients (19% increase,  < 0.01). Based on payer type, there was a statistically significant increase in the number of visits in the Medicare (10.2%, p = 0.0001) and Medicaid (16.2%,  < 0.01) groups. We also noted increased access to care with telehealth in patients who were 65 and older (10.6%, p = 0.004). This highlights the importance of telehealth in increasing access to care and promoting health equity in the URM and vulnerable patient populations.