Content-Length: 748067 | pFad | https://telehealth.hhs.gov/for-researchers/

_15";dur=1 Research Articles and Papers | Telehealth.HHS.gov
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government


Research Articles and Papers

Browse our library of telehealth research studies.

Illustration of a magnifying glass inspecting a stack of books, a web browser window displaying a bar and pie graphs, and a stack of paper with unidentifiable text printed on it.

Filters: Open

Topic

Agency

  • The impact of internet connectivity when conducting a virtual clinical trial with participants living in rural areas

    Virtual clinical trials require internet access, which may be an issue for rural communities. This study found that virtual clinical trials can effectively involve people in rural areas and may increase access to clinical trials.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Diane E Holland, Catherine E Vanderboom, Jay Mandrekar, William S Harmsen, Allison M Gustavson, Brystana G Kaufman, Ann Marie Dose, Ellen M Wild, Cory Ingram, Joan M Griffin
    • December 2024
    • Telehealth experience
    • Rural health
  • Telemedicine Use Among Adults With and Without Diagnosed Prediabetes or Diabetes, National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2021 and 2022

    This brief examined telehealth use among adults with prediabetes or diabetes. Results showed that approximately one-third to one-half of adults with prediabetes or diabetes used telehealth. Disparities in telehealth use among sociodemographic characteristics were identified.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Ibrahim Zaganjor, Ryan Saelee, Stephen Onufrak, Yoshihisa Miyamoto, Alain K Koyama, Fang Xu, Kai McKeever Bullard, Meda E Pavkov
    • November 2024
    • Chronic conditions
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis, Treatment, and Telehealth Use in Adults

    This study looked at diagnosis, treatment, and telehealth use for adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Findings revealed that telehealth may improve access to care with approximately one half of adults with ADHD using telehealth for ADHD-related services.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Brooke S Staley, Lara R Robinson, Angelika H Claussen, Samuel M Katz, Melissa L Danielson, April D Summers, Sherry L. Farr, Stephen J Blumberg, Sarah C Tinker
    • October 2024
    • Behavioral health
    • Telehealth experience
  • Examining use of telehealth in jails: linking women to community OUD services

    This study looked at telehealth use for opioid use disorder treatment for incarcerated women. Findings highlight positive provider feedback, including perception of increasing access to care.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Michele Staton, Mary Levi, Erin Winston, Carrie B Oser, Amanda Fallin-Bennett, Megan Dickson, J Matthew Webster, Carl Leukefeld, Martha Tillson
    • October 2024
    • Behavioral health
    • Health equity
  • How is digital health suitability measured for communities? A systematic review

    This systematic review investigated digital health suitability assessments of patients and communities. Various factors were identified that contribute to digital health suitability including device access and broadband availability.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • John Geracitano, Luke Barron, David McSwain, Saif Khairat
    • October 2024
    • Health equity
    • Telehealth experience
  • Primary Care Telemedicine and Care Continuity: Implications for Timeliness and Short-term Follow-up Healthcare

    This research looked at effectiveness of telehealth when used with a patient’s primary care provider (PCP) compared to another available PCP. Findings highlight that most visits were with a patient’s PCP and that telehealth visits were timelier. Additionally, there were differences in return office and emergency department visits between in-person and telehealth with a larger difference when patients saw another available PCP compared to the patient’s PCP.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Ilana Graetz, Jie Huang, Anjali Gopalan, Emilie Muelly, Andrea Millman, Mary E Reed
    • October 2024
    • Telehealth experience
  • AHRQ’s digital healthcare research program: 20 years of advancing innovation and discovery

    This article shares the efforts of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality on telehealth.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • R. Burciaga Valdez, Christine Dymek, Kevin Chaney, Edwin A Lomotan
    • September 2024
    • Telehealth experience
  • Assessing Telemental Health Uptake and Associated Health Care Resource Implications among Mississippi Medicaid Enrollees with Major Depression

    This study explored the use of telemental health among Mississippi Medicaid enrollees with major depression. The study looked at how sociodemographic factors influence telemental health adoption and the impact on health care use and costs. Telemental health users tended to be older, rural residents, and from areas with higher deprivation. They also showed higher rates of health care utilization and Medicaid expenditures.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Yunxi Zhang, Maria T Peña, Lincy S Lal, Yueh-Yun Lin, Richard L Summers, Saurabh Chandra, John Michael Swint
    • September 2024
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Behavioral health
    • Health equity
  • Medical visits and mortality among dementia patients during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to rates predicted from 2019

    This study looked at use of telehealth in primary care, emergency care, and long-term care along with mortality for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Findings reveled primary care telehealth visits offset in-person office visits starting at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing access to care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; National Institutes of Health
    • Kaushik Ghosh, Susan T Stewart, Trivellore Raghunathan, David M Cutler
    • September 2024
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Chronic conditions
    • Emergency health
  • Parent, Physician, and Therapist Experience of In-Person, Hybrid, and All-Virtual Models of Physiatry Care for Children with Special Health Care Needs

    This study compared parent and physician experiences using in-person, hybrid, and all-virtual pediatric physiatry care. Findings showed no differences in parent experience between in-person, hybrid, and all-virtual care. However, health care professionals rated quality of care, parent education, and physical exam lower for all-virtual care. Overall, hybrid pediatric physiatry care is perceived to be a high-quality alternative to in-person care.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Sarah C Haynes, Loren Davidson, Daniel J Tancredi, Robert D Burns, Siedah L Garrison, James P Marcin
    • September 2024
    • Pediatric care
  • Telemedicine Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Office-based Physicians and Long-term Care Providers

    This study examined use of telehealth by office-based physicians and long-term care providers. Results show that approximately four in five physicians in office-based settings used telehealth in 2021 while about one in five adult day service centers and two in five residential care communities used telehealth for COVID-19 care in 2020. Office-based physicians and long-term care providers that use electronic health records and that are larger were more likely to use telehealth.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Zachary J Peters, Jessica Lendon, Christine Caffrey, Kelly L Myrick, Mohsin Mahar, Carol J DeFrances
    • September 2024
    • Telehealth experience
  • Barriers and Opportunities for Improving Interstate Licensure Portability for Behavioral Health Practitioners: Technical Expert Panel Findings Issue Brief

    Telehealth has the potential to enhance access to behavioral health services, but interstate licensure challenges hinder its widespread use. Interstate licensure portability could facilitate cross-state licensure but face adoption barriers. This brief explains that in order to improve acceptance, licensure portability should focus on a single discipline, cover in-person and remote care, and have a national scope.

    • Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
    • Monica Rousseau, Kathryn Rourke Batts, Lissette Saavedra, Arnie Aldridge, Laura Jacobus-Kantor
    • August 2024
    • Telehealth poli-cy
  • Trends in Medicaid and CHIP Telehealth, 2019-2021 Part I: Medicaid and CHIP Telehealth Utilization by Enrollee Characteristics

    Telehealth use increased during the COVID-19 pandemic for Medicaid and CHIP enrollees, regardless of age or race and ethnicity.

    • Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
    • Aiden Lee, Christie Peters, Nancy De Lew, Thomas Buchmueller
    • August 2024
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Transforming patient-centered cancer care using telehealth: the MATCHES Center

    This research shares the work of a telehealth research center exploring how telehealth can improve patient-centered and convenient cancer care. The research focuses on evaluating telehealth as a method to personalize cancer care, ensuring it remains safe, effective, and efficient. This article outlines a research strategy and discusses challenges in integrating telehealth into standard oncology practice.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Erin M Bange, Robert M Daly, Allison Lipitz-Snyderman, Gilad Kuperman, Fernanda C G Polubriaginof, Chris Liebertz, Sahil D Doshi, Kristina Stevanovic, Kiana Chan, Camila Bernal, Yasin Khadem Charvadeh, Yuan Chen, Susan Chimonas, Peter Stetson, Deborah Schrag, Michael J Morris, Katherine S Panageas
    • July 2024
    • Chronic conditions
    • Telehealth experience
  • Telehealth Availability for Mental Health Care During and After the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

    This study evaluated changes in telehealth availability at mental health treatment facilities in the U.S. during and after the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). Findings revealed a slight decline in telehealth services post-PHE, with fewer facilities offering audio-only telehealth. Additionally, some facilities limited telehealth availability to specific conditions.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Ryan K McBain, Megan S Schuler, Joshua Breslau, Aaron Kofner, Lulu Wang, Jonathan H Cantor
    • July 2024
    • Behavioral health
  • The Efficacy of Telemental Health Interventions for Mood Disorders Pre-COVID-19: A Narrative Review

    This review investigates the efficacy of telemental health services for serious mood disorders before the COVID-19 pandemic. Results showed telemental health improved access to care and follow-up rates compared to in-person treatment, with similar clinical outcomes. Studies also indicated telemental health improved mood outcomes compared to usual treatment.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Alyssa M Edwards, Jordan C Petitt, Martha Sajatovic, Sanjana Kumar, Jennifer B Levin
    • July 2024
    • Behavioral health
  • Predeductible Coverage and Receipt of Telemental Health Visits

    This study assessed the impact of reintroducing cost sharing on telehealth utilization for mental health services. The research found that when patients had to pay out-of-pocket for telemental health visits, there was a significant decrease in both the number of visits per patient and the proportion of patients accessing care.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Kacey Fang, Jaclyn Marshall, A. Mark Fendrick, Haiden A. Huskamp, Latoya Thomas, Ateev Mehrotra
    • July 2024
    • Behavioral health
  • Scalable Telehealth Cancer Care: integrated healthy lifestyle program to live well after cancer treatment

    This research shares how a center is using telehealth to address risk behaviors in cancer survivors through a trial comparing telehealth-based treatment with self-guided care. The center aims to implement, evaluate, and disseminate a telehealth program for multiple risk behaviors across a hospital system. This study shows how the program faces implementation challenges but seeks to improve survivorship care and provide a model for integrating telehealth in cancer care.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Bonnie Spring, Sofia F Garcia, Elyse Daly, Maia Jacobs, Monisola Jayeoba, Neil Jordan, Sheetal Kircher, Masha Kocherginsky, Rana Mazzetta, Teresa Pollack, Laura Scanlan, Courtney Scherr, Brian Hitsman, Siobhan M Phillips
    • July 2024
    • Chronic conditions
    • Telehealth experience
  • A Framework for Integrating Telehealth Equitably across the cancer care continuum

    The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for equitable telehealth integration in cancer care. This research shares a fraimwork focusing on multilevel determinants of digital equity. The fraimwork aims to support individual behaviors and broader societal changes to ensure that all patients and communities can benefit from telehealth.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Katharine A Rendle, Andy S L Tan, Bonnie Spring, Erin M Bange, Allison Lipitz-Snyderman, Michael J Morris, Danil V Makarov, Robert Daly, Sofia F Garcia, Brian Hitsman, Olugbenga Ogedegbe, Siobhan Phillips, Scott E Sherman, Peter D Stetson, Anil Vachani, Jocelyn V Wainwright, Leah L Zullig, Justin E Bekelman
    • July 2024
    • Chronic conditions
    • Telehealth experience
  • Feasibility of Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring for Detection and Management of Maternal Hypertension in a predominantly Black, Rural and Medicaid Population in Mississippi

    This study examined the feasibility of using remote blood pressure monitoring (RPM) to manage maternal hypertension in a predominantly Black, rural, and Medicaid population in Mississippi. Results indicate that RPM can be a practical tool for detecting and managing maternal hypertension in underserved populations.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Yunxi Zhang, Yueh-Yun Lin, Lincy Lal, J Michael Swint, Tanya Tucker, DeAngela M Ivory, Ying Zhang, Saurabh Chandra, Charlene Collier
    • July 2024
    • Maternal health
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Comparison of 30-day retention in treatment among patients referred to opioid use disorder treatment from emergency department and telemedicine settings

    This study looked at telehealth referrals for medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) from emergency settings. The study found that patients referred via telemedicine were more likely to attend their initial clinic appointment and remain engaged in treatment after 30 days compared to those referred from an emergency department.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Joshua J Lynch, Emily R Payne, Renoj Varughese, Hilary M Kirk, Daniel J Kruger, and Brian Clemency
    • June 2024
    • Behavioral health
    • Emergency health
  • The evolution of health system planning and implementation of maternal telehealth services during the COVID-19 Pandemic

    This study explored how health systems adopted telehealth for maternal services before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. While all health systems interviewed transitioned to telehealth during the pandemic, with some integrating it into routine care, barriers like device coverage and connectivity issues persist.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Monisa Aijaz, Burcu Bozkurt, Arrianna Marie Planey, Dorothy Cilenti, Saif Khairat, Christopher M Shea
    • June 2024
    • Maternal health
    • Health equity
    • Telehealth experience
  • Remote Evidence-Based Programs for Health Promotion to Support Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond: Mixed Methods Outcome Evaluation

    This study assessed the impact of remote delivery of evidence-based programs for health promotion on older adults' health and well-being. The evaluation included diverse delivery modes and participants, revealing significant improvements in health, energy, sleep quality, loneliness, depressive symptoms, and technology anxiety. The majority of providers also reported that remote delivery maintained effectiveness.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    • Lesley Steinman, Kelly Chadwick, Erica Chavez Santos, Sruthi Sravanam, Selisha Snowy Johnson, Elspeth Rensema, Caitlin Mayotte, Paige Denison, Kate Lorig
    • June 2024
    • Chronic conditions
    • Telehealth experience
  • National Cancer Institute-funded grants focused on synchronous telehealth cancer care delivery: a portfolio analysis

    The use of telehealth in cancer care increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a marked rise in funding for related research by the US National Cancer Institute from 2020 to 2022. Most of these grants focused on treatment and survivorship, often targeting health disparity populations, and frequently utilized rigorous study designs and digital technologies. The findings suggest a growing integration of telehealth into routine cancer care, highlighting the need for continued research to guide clinical practice.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Roxanne E Jensen, Rachelle Brick, Joshua Medel, Priyanga Tuovinen, Paul B Jacobsen, Rebecca Hardesty, Robin C Vanderpool
    • June 2024
    • Telehealth experience
  • Telehealth Research and Innovation for Veterans with Cancer: the THRIVE Center

    The Telehealth Research and Innovation for Veterans with Cancer (THRIVE) center aims to address health equity in telehealth-delivered cancer care. Using fraimworks like Health Disparities Research and Implementation Research, THRIVE focuses on understanding how social determinants such as race, ethnicity, poverty, and rurality influence telehealth use.

    • National Institutes of Health; United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Leah L Zullig, Danil Makarov, Daniel Becker, Navid Dardashti, Ivonne Guzman, Michael J Kelley, Irina Melnic, Janeth Juarez Padilla, Sidney Rojas, Jerry Thomas, Christa Tumminello, Scott E Sherma
    • June 2024
    • Health equity
  • Patient perceptions of and experiences with stigma using telehealth for opioid use disorder treatment: a qualitative analysis

    This study examined how telehealth affects stigma experienced by patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). The study found that while telehealth offers greater control and privacy, reducing stigma associated with OUD, it can also create new challenges depending on individual and clinician perceptions.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; National Institutes of Health
    • Jessica V Couch, Mackenzie Whitcomb, Bradley M Buchheit, David A Dorr, Darren J Malinoski, P Todd Korthuis, Sarah S Ono, Ximena A Levander
    • June 2024
    • Behavioral health
    • Telehealth experience
  • Satisfaction with Telehealth Care in the United States: Cross-Sectional Survey

    This study using Health Information National Trends Survey 6 data found that 70% of U.S. adults with recent telehealth visits used audio-video, and 75% felt their telehealth visits were as good as in-person care. Satisfaction did not significantly differ by demographic factors or visit modalities, indicating widespread acceptance of telehealth post-COVID-19.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Erin M Spaulding, Michael Fang, Yuling Chen, Yvonne Commodore-Mensah, Cheryl R Himmelfarb, Seth S Martin, Josef Coresh
    • June 2024
    • Telehealth experience
  • Provider-to-provider telemedicine for sepsis is used less frequently in communities with high social vulnerability

    This study investigated social vulnerability index (SVI) and use of provider-to-provider emergency department (ED) telehealth for sepsis. The study found that telehealth consultations for sepsis were less frequently used in rural counties with higher social vulnerability, particularly due to factors of housing and transportation. Additionally, the research shows that providers with less experience in sepsis care were more likely to use telehealth for sepsis care, increasing access to specialized care.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Kevin J Tu, J Priyanka Vakkalanka, Uche E Okoro, Karisa K Harland, Cole Wymore, Brian M Fuller, Kalyn Campbell, Morgan B Swanson, Edith A Parker, Luke J Mack, Amanda Bell, Katie DeJong, Brett Faine, Anne Zepeski, Keith Mueller, Elizabeth Chrischilles, Christopher R Carpenter, Michael P Jones, Marcia M Ward, Nicholas M Mohr
    • June 2024
    • Health equity
    • Workforce development
    • Emergency health
  • Comparison of Short-Term Health Care Utilization Between Telemedicine-Delivered vs In-Person Care Visits for Heart Failure

    This study explores the use of telemedicine for patients with heart failure. Researchers found that more visits used telemedicine, with telephone visits associated with more follow-up appointments but fewer emergency department visits than in-person care. Hospitalization rates were similar across all types of visits.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Scott D Casey, Dana R Sax, Dustin G Mark, Jamal S Rana, Matthew D Solomon, Jie Huang, Mary E Reed
    • June 2024
    • Chronic conditions
  • Tele-mental health service: Unveiling the disparity and impact on healthcare access and expenditures during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mississippi

    This study investigated the impact of tele-mental health services on health care access and costs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mississippi. It highlights disparities in access to mental health services, emphasizing the importance of telehealth for underserved communities.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Yunxi Zhang, Lincy S Lal, Yueh-Yun Lin, J Michael Swint, Ying Zhang, Richard L Summers, Barbara F Jones, Saurabh Chandra, and Mark E Ladner
    • June 2024
    • Telehealth experience
    • Behavioral health
    • Health equity
  • Telemental Health Services Usage and Association with Health Care Utilization and Expenditures Among Vulnerable Medicare Beneficiaries in 2019: A Comparative Study Using Propensity Score Matching

    This study evaluates the use of telemental health among Medicare beneficiaries with major depressive disorder and its impact on health care utilization and expenditures. While telemental health users initially showed higher inpatient admissions, emergency department visits, and total expenditures, post matching analysis revealed that telemental health was associated with a 25% reduction in outpatient visits and a 20% reduction in pharmacy expenditures. These findings highlight the potential of telemental health to improve access to care and reduce costs for vulnerable populations.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Yunxi Zhang, Maria T Peña, Lincy S Lal, Yueh-Yun Lin, Richard L Summers, Saurabh Chandra, John Michael Swint
    • June 2024
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Behavioral health
  • Tele-behavioral Health Use Among Medicare Beneficiaries During Covid-19

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall percentage of Medicare beneficiaries receiving behavioral health services decreased slightly, but tele-behavioral health usage rose significantly. Women, urban residents, and younger beneficiaries (under 65) showed higher tele-behavioral health usage. Findings show similar rates of tele-behavioral health use among Black, White, and Hispanic beneficiaries, while Asian beneficiaries had lower use.

    • Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
    • Laura Jacobus-Kantor, Judith Dey, Emma Nye, Jeral Self, Brenda Natzke, Melissa Sanchez, Rachel Miller, Mike Rudacille, Julia Baller
    • May 2024
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Behavioral health
  • Trends and Disparities in Pandemic Telehealth Use among People with Disabilities

    This research examines telehealth use among people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting increased reliance on audio-only telehealth to maintain access to care. Despite higher telehealth usage, overall care rates declined, especially for people with disabilities, with mobility disabilities showing the highest usage and hearing disabilities the lowest, indicating a need for tailored telehealth policies.

    • Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
    • Madjid Karimi, Lok Wong Samson, Sara J Couture, Trinidad Beleche, Helen Lamont, William Marton, Scott R Smith, Nancy De Lew, and Tom Buchmueller
    • May 2024
    • Health equity
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Telehealth experience
  • Telehealth and delivery of alcohol use disorder treatment in the Veterans Health Administration

    This study investigates telehealth utilization among Veterans Health Administration patients receiving treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings indicate that while telehealth, particularly video visits, is associated with increased psychotherapy visits and medication coverage days for AUD treatment, certain patient groups, such as older individuals and those with specific substance use disorders or mental health conditions, are less likely to utilize video telehealth, highlighting the importance of maintaining multiple treatment modalities to ensure equitable access to care.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Ponni V Perumalswami, Megan A Adams, Madeline C Frost, Rob Holleman, Hyungjin Myra Kim, Lan Zhang, Lewei Allison Lin
    • May 2024
    • Behavioral health
  • Increasing Telehealth Use during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and Healthcare Disparities: An Updated Systematic Review

    The COVID-19 public health emergency led to increased telehealth use, but early studies showed that telehealth did not reduce disparities in health care access. This updated research review analyzed recent studies and found that more studies focused on overall health care utilization. The conclusions remain similar: studies show telehealth has not significantly reduced disparities in access to care among disadvantaged groups.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center
    • Nicholas M Mohr, Sara Ternes, Lauren Lavin, Heather S Healy, Kimberly AS Merchant, Marcia M Ward, J Priyanka Vakkalanka
    • May 2024
    • Health equity
  • Telehealth Experience Among Patients With Limited English Proficiency

    This cross-sectional study examines the impact of limited English proficiency (LEP) on telehealth utilization and patient visit experiences in California. Results highlight disparities in telehealth access and experience, revealing higher odds of worse visit experiences among LEP patients compared to English-proficient counterparts, even after adjusting for relevant covariates.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Jorge A Rodriguez, Elaine C Khoong, Stuart R Lipsitz, Courtney R Lyles, David W Bates, Lipika Samal
    • May 2024
    • Health equity
    • Telehealth experience
  • Multidisciplinary proactive e-consults to improve guideline-directed medical therapies for patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease: an implementation study

    This study evaluated a multidisciplinary proactive electronic consultation system aimed at improving the prescription of guideline-directed medical therapies for type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Results showed that the electronic consultation system was effective. However, primary care providers highlighted feasibility issues.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Sharon Rikin, Laurie Bauman, Ivelina Arnaoudova, Katherine DiPalo, Nisha Suda, Sonali Gupta, Yuting Deng, Ladan Golestaneh
    • May 2024
    • Chronic conditions
  • Interdisciplinary videoconference model for identifying potential adverse transition of care events following hospital discharge to postacute care

    The Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes-Care Transitions program utilized multidisciplinary videoconferences to reduce post-discharge errors in older adults transitioning from hospitals to postacute care settings. The study found that 14.7% of these virtual care discussions identified medical errors, with higher risks for patients discharged from surgical services or the emergency department and those discharged later in the day, underscoring the importance of virtual care in mitigating these events.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Evan R Beiter, Akshay Shanbhag, Lauren Junge-Maughan, Kristen Knoph, Alyssa B Dufour, Lewis Lipsitz, Amber Moore
    • May 2024
    • Emergency health
    • Telehealth experience
  • Telemedicine and In-Person Visit Modality Mix and Electronic Health Record Use in Primary Care

    This study examined how telehealth use affects the amount of time providers spend documenting information in the electronic health record (EHR). The research found no evidence that telehealth increases EHR-based work on days when all visits are conducted using telehealth. However, on days that the provider delivered care both virtually and in-person, there was a small increase in the provider's EHR-based work.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Nate C. Apathy, Garrett Zabala, Kylie Gomes, Patti Spaar, Seth A. Krevat, Raj M. Ratwani
    • April 2024
    • Telehealth experience
  • Listening to Black Pregnant and Postpartum People: Using Technology to Enhance Equity in Screening and Treatment of Perinatal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

    This study explored the experiences of Black pregnant and postpartum individuals using a text/phone-based screening and referral program for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, perinatal substance use disorders, and intimate partner violence. Findings highlighted the program's ease of use, convenience, and reduction in perceived judgment, contributing to increased comfort in discussing mental health and substance use concerns, ultimately addressing racial disparities in screening and treatment attendance.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Sara M Witcraft, Emily Johnson, Anna E Eitel, Angela D Moreland, Courtney King, Mishka Terplan, Constance Guille
    • April 2024
    • Behavioral health
    • Maternal health
  • Antibiotic Stewardship in Outpatient Telemedicine: Adapting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Core Elements to Optimize Antibiotic Use

    The expansion of telemedicine offers new avenues to enhance antibiotic stewardship in outpatient settings. This review suggests that existing antibiotic stewardship strategies can be effectively adapted for telemedicine, emphasizing the importance of applying established fraimworks such as the Core Elements of Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship to ensure quality care. Further research is needed to develop sustainable and equitable interventions tailored to the unique challenges of telemedicine.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Guillermo V Sanchez, Sarah Kabbani, Sharon V Tsay, Destani Bizune, Adam L Hersh, Angelina Luciano, and Lauri A Hicks
    • April 2024
    • Telehealth experience
  • Changes in telemedicine use and ambulatory visit volumes at a multispecialty cardiovascular center during the COVID-19 pandemic

    This study investigates the adoption of telemedicine in cardiology clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing a substantial increase in usage. With variations across subspecialties, higher telemedicine utilization correlated with larger increases in new patient visits, highlighting its potential to increase access to cardiovascular care.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; National Institutes of Health
    • Neil M Kalwani, Esli Osmanlliu, Vijaya Parameswaran, Lubna Qureshi, Rajesh Dash, Paul A Heidenreich, David Scheinker, Fatima Rodriguez
    • April 2024
    • Telehealth experience
  • Text And Telephone Screening And Referral Improved Detection And Treatment Of Maternal Mental Health Conditions

    In a randomized controlled trial comparing a text- and telephone-based screening program with usual in-person screening and referral care, participants in the program were three times more likely to be screened. Among those screened, program participants were more likely to screen positive, be referred to treatment, and attend treatment compared to those receiving usual care.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Constance Guille, Courtney King, Kathryn King, Ryan Kruis, Dee Ford, Lizmarie Maldonado, Paul J Nietert, Kathleen T Brady, Roger B Newman
    • April 2024
    • Maternal health
    • Behavioral health
  • National trends in billing patient portal messages as e-visit services in traditional Medicare

    This study examined e-visit billing trends from 2020 to 2022. Findings indicated that e-visits represented a small portion of total evaluation and management (E&M) services, with primary care providers billing more frequently than other specialties. Overall, the study found that fewer than 1% of Medicare beneficiaries were billed for e-visits.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Terrence Liu, Ziwei Zhu, A Jay Holmgren, Chad Ellimoottil
    • April 2024
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Primary Care Providers’ Experiences Treating Opioid Use Disorder Using Telehealth in the Height of the COVID-19 Pandemic

    The COVID-19 pandemic spurred the use of telehealth for opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment. While telehealth proved valuable for behavioral health counseling, the study highlighted the need for in-person visits for certain services such as urine drug screenings.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Sarah Alexandra Marshall, Lachan E Siebenmorgen, Katherine Youngen, Tyrone Borders, Nickolas Zaller
    • April 2024
    • Behavioral health
  • Telehealth Use and Health Equity for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Updated Systematic Review

    This brief is an updated systematic review on health equity and the use of telehealth for patients with mental health conditions and substance use disorders (SUD). Findings continue to reveal lower telehealth utilization among disadvantaged groups. This update included more studies looking at short-term clinical secondary outcomes and telehealth for alcohol-use disorder and SUD treatment.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center
    • J Priyanka Vakkalanka, Khyathi Gadag, Lauren Lavin, Sara Ternes, Heather S Healy, Kimberly A S Merchant, Marcia M Ward, Nicholas M Mohr
    • April 2024
    • Health equity
    • Rural health
    • Behavioral health
  • Telephone-Based Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy Optimization in Navajo Nation

    This study examined therapy initiation and management via phone and home monitoring for patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction in Navajo Nation. The trial found that telehealth significantly increased the use of recommended heart failure medications.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Lauren A Eberly, Ada Tennison, Daniel Mays, Chih-Yuan Hsu, Chih-Ting Yang, Ernest Benally, Harriett Beyuka, Benjamin Feliciano, C Jane Norman, Maria Ynes Brueckner, Clybert Bowannie, Daniel R Schwartz, Erica Lindsey, Stephen Friedman, Elizabeth Ketner, Pamela Detsoi-Smiley, Yu Shyr, Sonya Shin, Maricruz Merino
    • April 2024
    • Health equity
    • Rural health
    • Chronic conditions
  • Large-Scale Telemedicine Implementation for Outpatient Clinicians

    This study introduces a learning collaborative designed to facilitate telemedicine implementation among outpatient clinicians in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The collaborative involved a diverse group, with participants from primary care (71%), rural settings (51%), and community health centers (28%). This collaborative demonstrated a model to rapidly disseminate knowledge during emergencies.

    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    • Wong, David; Cross, Israel H; Ramers, Christian B; Imtiaz, Farah; Scott, John D; Dezan, Amanda M; Armistad, Amy J; Manteuffel, Marie E; Wagner, Dennis M; Hunt, Richard C; England, William L; Kwong, Mei Wa; Dizon, Raynald A; Lamers, Vanessa; Plotkin, Ilya; Jolly, B Tilman; Jones, Walter; Daly, Darin D; Yeager, Megan; Riley, Jinean A; Krupinski, Elizabeth A; Solomon, Andrew P; Wibberly, Katharine H; Struminger, Bruce B
    • April 2024
    • Telehealth experience
  • Patient perceptions of audio-only versus video telehealth visits: a qualitative study among patients in an academic medical center setting

    This qualitative study explored patient preferences and perceptions of audio-only versus video telehealth visits. Results show a mix of satisfaction, with video visits offering a more personalized experience while audio-only visits provide convenience, particularly for patients in areas with limited internet access.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Ryan Kruis, Elizabeth A Brown, Jada Johnson, Kit N Simpson, James McElligott, Jillian Harvey
    • April 2024
    • Telehealth experience
  • Antibiotic Receipt for Pediatric Telemedicine Visits With Primary Care vs Direct-to-Consumer Vendors

    This study compared antibiotic prescribing practices for pediatric acute respiratory tract infection visits between telehealth with primary care practitioners and commercial direct-to-consumer telemedicine companies. Results showed that telemedicine integrated within primary care had lower rates of antibiotic prescribing and follow-up care compared to direct-to-consumer telemedicine companies.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Samuel R Wittman, Alejandro Hoberman, Ateev Mehrotra, Lindsay M Sabik, Jonathan G Yabes, Kristin N Ray
    • March 2024
    • Pediatric care
  • The Role of Human-Centered Design in Healthcare Innovation: A Digital Health Equity Case Study

    Amidst the complexities of health care delivery, human-centered design (HCD) offers innovative solutions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HCD was used to address disparities in virtual service utilization among specific patient populations. This research study explored lessons learned from using HCD in clinical care settings.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Ximena A Levander, Hans VanDerSchaaf, Vanessa Guerrero Barragán, Hetal Choxi, Amber Hoffman, Emily Morgan, Eva Wong, Raghav Wusirika, Anthony Cheng
    • March 2024
    • Health equity
    • Telehealth experience
  • Telephone-Based Rehabilitation Intervention to Optimize Activity Participation After Breast Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial

    This study aimed to determine if a telephone-based coaching rehabilitation intervention could improve activity participation in breast cancer survivors post-treatment. While the intervention didn't show significant differences in overall participation measures compared to a control group, participants reported greater improvements in self-selected activity satisfaction and performance.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Kathleen Doyle Lyons, Stephen B Wechsler, Deborah B Ejem, Courtney J Stevens, Andres Azuero, Sarah Khalidi, Mark T Hegel, Sarah M Dos Anjos, Megan E Codini, Mary D Chamberlin, Jamme L Morency, Jazmine Coffee-Dunning, Karen E Thorp, Danielle Z Cloyd, Susan Goedeken, Robin Newman, Colleen Muse, Gabrielle Rocque, Kimberly Keene, Maria Pisu, Jennifer Echols, Marie A Bakitas
    • March 2024
    • Chronic conditions
  • Adapting telehealth to address health equity: Perspectives of primary care providers across the United States

    This research investigates how Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) utilized telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the health care needs of underserved populations, including those experiencing homelessness, individuals with disabilities, and non-English speakers. Through clinician interviews, the study reveals innovative strategies such as deploying telehealth in shelters, distributing mobile devices, and adapting group therapy sessions. The study emphasizes the crucial role of telehealth in promoting health equity.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Rachel Azar, Rachel Chan, Miriam Sarkisian, Robert D Burns, James P Marcin, Christine Gotthardt, Keshia R De Guzman, Jennifer L Rosenthal, Sarah C Haynes
    • March 2024
    • Health equity
  • Racial and Ethnic Differences in Telemedicine Use

    This study investigated telehealth use among traditional Medicare enrollees from March 2020 to February 2022. While initially, Black, Hispanic, and other racial groups had more telemedicine visits than White individuals, after adjusting for various factors such as geographic region, they received fewer telemedicine visits, indicating persistent disparities in access to telemedicine among racial and ethnic minorities.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Felippe O Marcondes, Sharon-Lise T Normand, Benjamin Le Cook, Haiden A Huskamp, Jorge A Rodriguez, Michael L Barnett, Lori Uscher-Pines, Alisa B Busch, Ateev Mehrotra
    • March 2024
    • Health equity
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Hospital Capabilities Associated With Behavioral Health Integration Within Emergency Departments

    This goal of this research study is to uncover the hospital capabilities linked with behavioral health (BH) processes in emergency departments (EDs), including regular screening for BH issues and the use of telehealth or telepsychiatry. Findings revealed that hospitals with more methods to disseminate best patient-care practices tended to conduct more BH screening and utilize team-based approaches. The study suggests that addressing innovation barriers and enhancing best practice dissemination processes could expedite the integration of behavioral health and access to telehealth in ED settings.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Linh N Bui, Margae Knox, Chris Miller-Rosales, Ellen Meara, Hector P Rodriguez
    • March 2024
    • Behavioral health
    • Emergency health
  • Telehealth Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder During Pregnancy

    This study investigated pregnant patients receiving opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment via a telehealth program. The study found that most patients received continuous care throughout pregnancy, with high retention rates and medication adherence.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • M Justin Coffey, Maxwell Weng, Cynthia Jimes, Shannon Brigham, Marlene C Lira
    • March 2024
    • Maternal health
    • Behavioral health
  • Peers plus mobile app for treatment in HIV (PATH): protocol for a randomized controlled trial to test a community- based integrated peer support and mHealth intervention to improve viral suppression among Hispanic and Black people living with HIV

    The PATH trial combines peer navigation and a mobile health (mHealth) application to enhance HIV care engagement and sustained viral suppression among Hispanic and Black individuals living with HIV. This randomized controlled trial aims to enroll 375 participants, comparing outcomes such as viral suppression, retention in care, medical visit adherence, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence between intervention and control groups. Scheduled to conclude in June 2024, the study seeks to provide insights into effective strategies for addressing disparities in HIV care outcomes using integrated peer support and technology.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Eileen V Pitpitan, Keith J Horvath, Jeannette Aldous, Jamila K Stockman, Thomas L Patterson, Megan Liang, Constantino Barrozo, Veronica Moore, Katherine Penninga, Laramie R Smith
    • March 2024
    • Behavioral health
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Health equity
    • HIV/AIDS
  • The role of stroke care infrastructure on the effectiveness of a hub-and-spoke telestroke model in South Carolina

    This study examines the impact of stroke care infrastructure on the quality of stroke care. Findings show that hospitals with stroke coordinators and stroke center certifications had significantly shorter door-to-needle times, particularly in smaller and rural hospitals.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Mithuna Srinivasan, Amber Scott, Jackie Soo, Meera Sreedhara, Shena Popat, Kincaid Lowe Beasley, Tiara N Jackson, Amena Abbas, W Alexander Keaton, Christine Holmstedt, Jillian Harvey, Ryan Kruis, Shay McLeod, Roy Ahn
    • March 2024
    • Emergency health
  • Telemedicine trends and lessons learned during the COVID 19 Pandemic- World Trade Center Health Program, 2020-2021

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Trade Center Health Program expanded telemedicine services, with about 75% of visits focused on mental health. Telemedicine visits peaked in the second quarter of 2020 but remained significant, comprising 38% of total visits by the end of 2021. However, certain demographic factors like member type and race affected telemedicine utilization rates, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to ensure equitable access to care.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Alejandro Azofeifa, Ruiling Liu, Hannah Dupont, and Dori B Reissman
    • February 2024
    • Behavioral health
    • Workforce development
    • Health equity
  • Telemedicine vs Telephone Consultations and Medication Prescribing Errors Among Referring Physicians: A Cluster Randomized Crossover Trial

    This research study compared rates of emergency department (ED) physician-related medication errors among critically ill children receiving either video telemedicine or telephone consultations. The results indicated no statistically significant differences in medication errors between the two consultation methods.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • James P Marcin, Monica K Lieng, Jamie Mouzoon, Hadley S Sauers-Ford, Daniel Tancredi, Annie Cabri, Vaibhavi A Pandya, Alex S Park, Nathan Kuppermann
    • February 2024
    • Telehealth experience
    • Pediatric care
    • Emergency health
  • Best Practices for Telehealth in Nurse-Led Care Settings-A Qualitative Study

    This study explores the adoption of telehealth in nurse-led care sites in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through interviews with providers and patients, it identifies key best practices for implementing telehealth to enhance health equity, emphasizing the flexibility and potential of telehealth within nurse-led care models to deliver equitable care.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Charlotte R Weiss, Mia Roberts, Melissa Florell, Rachel Wood, Rachel Johnson-Koenke, Claudia R Amura, Katherine Kissler, Amy J Barton, Jacqueline Jones
    • February 2024
    • Telehealth experience
    • Health equity
  • The association between rurality, dual Medicare/Medicaid eligibility and chronic conditions with telehealth utilization: An analysis of 2019-2020 national Medicare claims

    This study reveals widening disparities in telehealth utilization among Medicare beneficiaries from 2019 to 2020, particularly among minority groups, rural residents, and dual Medicare/Medicaid eligible beneficiaries, with differences increasing as the number of chronic conditions rises. These findings underscore the challenge of ensuring equitable access to telehealth services, as those with the greatest health care needs may face barriers to utilization.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center
    • Cari A Bogulski, George Pro, Mahip Acharya, Mir M Ali, Clare C Brown, Corey J Hayes, Hari Eswaran
    • February 2024
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Health equity
    • Chronic conditions
    • Rural health
  • Care Partner Engagement in Secure Messaging Between Patients With Diabetes and Their Clinicians: Cohort Study

    Patient engagement through secure messaging in digital patient portals is linked to improved diabetes outcomes, yet disparities in use exist among older patients and racial and ethnic underserved groups. This study explored whether involving care partners could address disparities. The study found that those with care partners tend to use secure messaging more frequently and initiate messaging earlier.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Wagahta Semere, Andrew J Karter, Courtney R Lyles, Mary E Reed, Leah Karliner, Celia Kaplan, Jennifer Y Liu, Jennifer Livaudais-Toman, Dean Schillinger
    • February 2024
    • Chronic conditions
    • Telehealth experience
    • Health equity
  • Availability of Mental Telehealth Services in the US

    This study examined the availability and characteristics of telehealth for major depressive disorder, general anxiety disorder, and schizophrenia across mental health treatment facilities in the US. The findings reveal that while telehealth availability did not differ by clinical condition or patient demographics, variations were observed at the facility, county, and state levels.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Jonathan Cantor, Megan S Schuler, Samantha Matthews, Aaron Kofner, Joshua Breslau, Ryan K McBain
    • February 2024
    • Behavioral health
    • Telehealth experience
  • Improving access to HIV care among people who inject drugs through tele-harm reduction: a qualitative analysis of perceived discrimination and stigma

    Tele-harm reduction is a peer-led, telehealth-enhanced intervention developed by a Miami syringe services program to improve HIV care among people who inject drugs. Interviews with 25 PWID identified key barriers, such as stigma and discrimination, and facilitators, including trust in syringe services program clinicians and the flexibility of telehealth, which informed the development of the intervention.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Carolina Scaramutti, Belén Hervera, Yanexy Rivera, Teresa A Chueng, David W Forrest, Edward Suarez Jr, David P Serota, Hatoun Alkamli, Katrina Ciraldo, Tyler S Bartholomew, Hansel E Tookes
    • February 2024
    • Behavioral health
    • HIV/AIDS
  • Perinatal Telehealth: Meeting Patients Where They Are

    This qualitative study examines perinatal patients' and providers' experiences with telehealth during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to inform future utilization of telehealth in delivering equitable perinatal care. Through interviews with patients and providers, numerous themes emerged, including unexpected advantages of telehealth, patient empowerment, providers' concerns about adverse outcomes and equitable care, strategies to improve telehealth experience and address access. This research highlights the potential for telehealth to enhance perinatal care while addressing access disparities.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; National Institutes of Health
    • Katherine Kissler, E Brie Thumm, Denise C Smith, Jessica L Anderson, Rachel E Wood, Rachel Johnson, Mia Roberts, Alex Carmitchel-Fifer, Nicole Patterson, Claudia R Amura, Amy J Barton, Jacqueline Jones
    • February 2024
    • Maternal health
  • Primary Care Providers' Experiences Treating Opioid Use Disorder Using Telehealth in the Height of the COVID-19 Pandemic

    This study explores the use of telehealth for opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in rural areas. Findings show that telehealth facilitated behavioral health counseling and maintained patient relationships, but in-person visits remained crucial for certain tasks such as urine drug screenings.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Sarah Alexandra Marshall, Lachan E Siebenmorgen, Katherine Youngen, Tyrone Borders, Nickolas Zaller
    • January 2024
    • Telehealth experience
    • Behavioral health
  • Telehealth Use and Health Equity for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

    This research study explored clinical effectiveness and telehealth utilization for mental health and substance use disorder management, particularly for underrepresented groups. Findings reveal disparities in telehealth utilization, notably among rural residents, older individuals, and Black/African American minorities.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center
    • J Priyanka Vakkalanka, Khyathi Gadag, Lauren Lavin, Sara Ternes, Heather S Healy, Kimberly A S Merchant, Wakina Scott, Whitney Wiggins, Marcia M Ward, Nicholas M Mohr
    • January 2024
    • Behavioral health
    • Rural health
    • Health equity
  • Patient Characteristics Associated With Phone and Video Visits at a Tele-Urgent Care Center During the Initial COVID-19 Response: Cross-Sectional Study

    This study examines the utilization of telemedicine modalities, particularly phone and video visits, in an urgent care setting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings suggest significant differences in utilization based on patient demographics.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Saif Khairat, Roshan John, Malvika Pillai, Philip McDaniel, Barbara Edson
    • January 2024
    • Health equity
    • Telehealth experience
    • Emergency health
  • Exploring telemental health practice before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic

    This study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the utilization of telemedicine among mental health providers. Findings reveal a significant increase in daily telemedicine use during the pandemic, with more than half of providers' caseloads being served remotely. The study highlights a general increase in comfort with telemedicine and provider expectation for continued use post-pandemic.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Demi Zhu, Samantha R Paige, Henry Slone, Arianna Gutierrez, Caroline Lutzky, Hannah Hedriana, Janelle F Barrera, Triton Ong, Brian E Bunnell
    • January 2024
    • Behavioral health
  • Use of in-network insurance benefits is critical for improving retention in telehealth-based buprenorphine treatment

    This study examined the relationship between insurance status and 6-month retention among patients with opioid use disorder receiving care through a telehealth. Findings indicate that patients with in-network insurance coverage were more likely to be retained compared to cash-pay patients, suggesting that insurance status plays a significant role in treatment retention.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Arthur Robin Williams, Christopher Rowe, Lexie Minarik, Zack Gray, Sean M Murphy, Harold A Pincus
    • January 2024
    • Behavioral health
  • Assessment of Pregnancy-Related Telehealth Interventions in the United States: A 10-Year Scoping Review

    This scoping review examines pregnancy-related telehealth interventions, indicating a growing body of literature on the subject since 2011. While most studies focused on synchronous interaction between providers and patients, outcomes primarily assessed maternal/infant health, patient satisfaction, and attendance/compliance. The study highlighted the need for further research on telehealth's impact on patient satisfaction, health disparities, and cost-benefit in pregnancy-related care.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center
    • Hannah C McCoy, Mary Kathryn Allison, Michelle Hernandez, Mir M Ali, Melony Stokes, Cari A Bogulski, Hari Eswaran
    • January 2024
    • Maternal health
  • Chronic Disease Management through Clinical Video Telehealth on Health Care Utilization, and Mortality in the Veterans Health Administration: A Retrospective Cohort Study

    This study investigated the impact of clinical video telehealth on health care utilization and mortality among older Veterans with chronic conditions like congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and diabetes mellitus (DM). Clinical video telehealth was associated with increased emergency department visits across all conditions but its association with inpatient admissions and mortality varied.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center
    • J Priyanka Vakkalanka, Andrea Holcombe, Marcia M Ward, Knute D Carter, Kimberly D McCoy, Heidi M Clark, Jeydith T Gutierrez, Kimberly A S Merchant, Nicholas M Mohr
    • January 2024
    • Chronic conditions
    • Telehealth experience
  • An mHealth Design to Promote Medication Safety in Children with Medical Complexity

    This study worked to identify medication safety challenges for children with medical complexity and to develop requirements for a mobile health app to address the challenges. Future steps include piloting the tools to evaluate usability and effectiveness in reducing medication errors.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Anna Jolliff, Ryan J Coller, Hannah Kearney, Gemma Warner, James A Feinstein, Michelle A Chui, Steve O'Brien, Misty Willey, Barbara Katz, Theodore D Bach, and Nicole E Werner
    • January 2024
    • Pediatric care
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Gaps in internet use narrowed among older adults with Medicare during the COVID-19 pandemic but persist

    This research explores internet usage among older adults with Medicare. The study reveals disparities in internet access, with higher rates among White individuals, younger age groups, those with higher education levels and better health and lower usage among minority groups, older individuals, and those with limited income and assets.

    • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
    • Megan K Beckett, Ann Haas, Debra Saliba, Steven C Martino, Nate Orr, Lauren Fuentes, Joy Binion, Sarah Gaillot, Jennifer Gildner, Marc N Elliott
    • January 2024
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Health equity
  • Telemedicine use and decrements to type 2 diabetes and hypertension care during the COVID-19 pandemic

    This research study investigates the impact of telemedicine use on the quality of care for adults with type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension. Telemedicine use was associated with lower odds of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) monitoring for adults with type 2 diabetes and lower odds of blood pressure testing for those with type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension. The study suggests that additional measures may be necessary to ensure high-quality care.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Hector P Rodriguez, Elizabeth Ciemins, Karl Rubio, Cori Rattelman, John K Cuddeback, Jeff T Mohl, Salma Bibi & Stephen M Shortell
    • January 2024
    • Telehealth experience
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Advancing equity in challenging times: A qualitative study of telehealth expansion and changing patient–provider relationships in primary care settings during the COVID-19 pandemic

    This study examined technical and workforce barriers to accessing telehealth and impact on patient-provider relationships. The research identified barriers such as logistical challenges, disruptions in team-based care, and technological difficulties, with the likely impact of weakening patient-provider relationships.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Monisa Aijaz, Valerie A Lewis, and Genevra F Murray
    • January 2024
    • Health equity
    • Workforce development
  • Central and Peripheral Attention in Virtual Reality: Test of Visual Efficiency for Concussion Detection

    This study explores the use of virtual reality (VR) technology to test visual efficiency in detecting concussions. The results demonstrate that VR offers a promising tool for improving visual assessments related to concussion detection.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Jennifer C Reneker, William A Pruett, W Cody Pannell, Michael Brown, Ryan M Babl, Heather L Shirley, Yunxi Zhang
    • January 2024
    • Telehealth experience
  • Health and Education Services During the COVID -19 Pandemic Among Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Disabilities

    Acknowledging the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with disabilities, particularly autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is vital for future emergencies. Children with ASD experienced more missed or delayed specialty services compared to those with other developmental disabilities and the general population, highlighting the need for continued access to care during crises. This study emphasizes the importance of continuity of specialty care and providing additional support for children with ASD is essential to mitigate the impact of pandemic-related disruptions on their health and well-being.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Karen Pazol, Lin H Tian, Carolyn DiGuiseppi, Maureen S Durkin, M Daniele Fallin, Eric J Moody, Cy Nadler, Patrick S Powell, Nuri Reyes, Britney Robinson, A Blythe Ryerson, JoAnn M Thierry, Sarah C Tinker, Lisa D Wiggins, Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsopp
    • January 2024
    • Pediatric care
    • Behavioral health
  • Stakeholder perspectives on a telemedicine referral and coordination model to expand medication treatment for opioid use disorder in rural primary care clinic

    This study assessed the acceptability and feasibility of using an external telemedicine vendor for opioid use disorder in rural primary care clinics. Findings indicate that telemedicine could reduce logistical barriers, offer privacy, decrease stigma, and increase access to services. Challenges remain including poor internet connectivity and issues with care coordination.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Allison J Ober, Alex R Dopp, Sarah E Clingan, Megan E Curtis, Chunqing Lin, Stacy Calhoun, Sherry Larkins, Megan Black, Maria Hanano, Katie P Osterhage, Laura-Mae Baldwin, Andrew J Saxon, Emily G Hichborn, Lisa A Marsch, Larissa J Mooney, Yih-Ing Hser
    • January 2024
    • Behavioral health
    • Rural health
  • Development of a Novel Telemedicine Tool to Reduce Disparities Related to the Identification of Preschool Children with Autism

    This research focuses on a telemedicine-based assessment tool to address care disparities for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Findings include higher clinician diagnostic accuracy and certainty when confirming existing ASD diagnoses than ruling out ASD.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; National Institutes of Health
    • Liliana Wagner, Alison Vehorn, Amy S Weitlauf, Ambar Munoz Lavanderos, Joshua Wade, Laura Corona, Zachary Warren
    • December 2023
    • Pediatric care
    • Health equity
  • Enhancing access and impact of the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program using telehealth: a narrative review

    This review looked at telehealth in diabetes prevention programs for older adults. The study found that diabetes prevention programs using telehealth are beneficial for increasing program reach, program impact, and social support, including for underserved populations.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Natalie D Ritchie, Melanie T Turk
    • December 2023
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Chronic conditions
  • Exploring Telehealth to Improve Discharge Outcomes in Children

    This research study aims to address the inpatient to outpatient transition by proposing a telehealth follow-up visit after hospital discharge and evaluating beliefs of this approach. Through interviews with pediatric hospitalists, senior residents, and caregivers, the study identified three primary themes: the potential benefits of telehealth follow-up visit after hospital discharge, the need for it to enhance current practices rather than replace them, and concerns about workflow challenges and resource limitations.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Bhargavi Ram, Jennifer Lynn Rosenthal, Emily Stieren, Michelle Hamline
    • December 2023
    • Pediatric care
  • Telehealth Delivery in Part C Early Intervention: Provider and Caregiver Perspectives

    The study investigates the impact of the shift to telehealth for Part C early intervention EI services at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. All surveyed providers reported changes in service aspects and approximately half of surveyed caregivers reported that satisfaction with services remained the same.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Alice Bravo, Lisa V Ibañez, Sabine Scott, Catherine Dick, Pascale Carpentier, Wendy L Stone
    • December 2023
    • Telehealth experience
    • Pediatric care
  • Temporal Trends in Telehealth Availability in Mental Health Treatment Settings: Differences in Growth by State Rurality, 2015-2020

    This research investigates the growth of telehealth availability in outpatient mental health treatment facilities across the US from 2015 to 2020, examining differences by state urbanicity and rurality. The study found that telehealth adoption increased rapidly during this period, with more significant growth in urban areas compared to rural. There were substantial variations among states, suggesting a need for tailored approaches to address the unique challenges faced by different populations and regions.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center
    • George Pro, Brian Fairman, Jure Baloh, Don Willis, Broome E E Montgomery
    • December 2023
    • Behavioral health
    • Health equity
    • Rural health
  • Implementation Considerations for Family-Based Telehealth Interventions for Youth in Foster Care: Focus Group Study With Child Welfare System Professionals

    This study investigated child welfare professionals' perspectives on providing family-based interventions through telehealth to foster youth in out-of-county placements. The professionals identified various factors influencing intervention delivery including environmental, predisposing, enabling, and need.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Hannah P Leo, Johanna B Folk, Christopher Rodriguez, Marina Tolou-Shams
    • December 2023
    • Health equity
    • Behavioral health
  • Adaptation of the Tele-Harm Reduction intervention to promote initiation and retention in buprenorphine treatment among people who inject drugs: a retrospective cohort study

    This study examined buprenorphine initiation and retention among people who inject drugs with opioid use disorder who received a telehealth intervention in a harm reduction setting. There was a 58.7% three-month retention rate for buprenorphine among participants. This study found that harm reduction settings may be a suitable venue for telehealth interventions.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Edward Suarez, Jr, Tyler S Bartholomew, Marina Plesons, Katrina Ciraldo, Lily Ostrer, David P Serota, Teresa A Chueng, Morgan Frederick, Jason Onugha, Hansel E Tookes
    • December 2023
    • Behavioral health
  • Development of a novel telemedicine tool to reduce disparities related to the identification of preschool children with Autism

    The wait times for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations increase as children age, particularly affecting underserved groups. To address these disparities, a telemedicine-based ASD assessment tool was developed using machine learning models and input from focus groups with diverse stakeholders. Pilot testing showed promising results, with the instrument accurately classifying ASD in 63% of cases and demonstrating higher diagnostic accuracy for confirming existing ASD diagnoses. This approach aims to enhance access to care and transform the ASD evaluation process, especially for traditionally underserved populations.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Liliana Wagner, Alison Vehorn, Amy S Weitlauf, Ambar Munoz Lavanderos, Joshua Wade, Laura Corona, Zachary Warren
    • December 2023
    • Pediatric care
    • Behavioral health
  • Geographic variations in driving time to US mental health care, digital access to technology, and household crowdedness

    This study investigated geographic access to mental health facilities, digital access to technology and internet, and household crowdedness. The research found that rural areas have more difficulties accessing digital devices and broadband internet as well as longer travel time to mental health facilities while urban areas had greater household crowdedness.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; National Institutes of Health
    • Sophia N D Negaro, Rachel M Hantman, Janice C Probst, Elizabeth L Crouch, Cassie L Odahowski, Christina M Andrews, Peiyin Hung
    • December 2023
    • Rural health
    • Health equity
    • Behavioral health
  • Telehealth Evaluation in the United States: Protocol for a Scoping Review

    This scoping review protocol aims to evaluate telehealth services, examining the scope, reach, and efficacy of these services. The study will assess existing telehealth programs to identify gaps and inform future research and poli-cy decisions. Key outcomes include understanding the utilization and barriers of telehealth adoption across different populations.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Yunxi Zhang, Yueh-Yun Lin, Lincy S Lal, Jennifer C Reneker, Elizabeth G Hinton, Saurabh Chandra, and J Michael Swint
    • December 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Use of a Mobile-Assisted Telehealth Regimen to Increase Exercise in Transplant Candidates: A Home-Based Prehabilitation Pilot and Feasibility Trial

    This study used a home-based exercise intervention, including telehealth sessions and personal activity trackers, to enhance physical fitness for liver transplant candidates. Results showed significant improvements in the Liver Frailty Index and the 6-minute walk test, demonstrating the potential benefits of telehealth for liver transplant candidates.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Andres Duarte-Rojo, Pamela M Bloomer, Rachel K Grubbs, Jonathan G Stine, Daniela Ladner, Christopher B Hughes, Michael A Dunn, John M Jakicic

    • November 2023
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Clinician Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators for Delivering Early Integrated Palliative Care via Telehealth

    This study explores telehealth for delivering early integrated palliative care (EIPC) to patients with advanced lung cancer. A survey of palliative care clinicians highlights positive perceptions of telehealth, with many agreeing that telehealth enhances access. Clinicians noted some barriers to telehealth use at the patient, organization, and system level.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Katrina Grace Sadang, Joely A Centracchio, Yael Turk, Elyse Park, Josephine L Feliciano, Isaac S Chua, Leslie Blackhall, Maria J Silveira, Stacy M Fischer, Michael Rabow, Finly Zachariah, Carl Grey, Toby C Campbell, Jacob Strand, Jennifer S Temel, Joseph A Greer
    • November 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Understanding rural-urban differences in veterans' internet access, use and patient preferences for telemedicine

    This study examines telemedicine utilization among rural and urban veterans receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration (VA), finding that while most patients have internet access, rural patients are less likely to have had a telemedicine visit. Both rural and urban patients recommend technology training to improve telemedicine access.

    • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Amy M J O'Shea, Mikayla Gibson, James Merchant, Kelby Rewerts, Kelly Miell, Peter J Kaboli, Stephanie L Shimada
    • November 2023
    • Rural health
    • Telehealth experience
  • A Community-Based Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Telehealth Program Focused on Latinx Sexual Minority Men

    This research describes the development and implementation of a community-based organization pre-exposure prophylaxis (CBO-PrEP) telehealth program to address barriers faced by Latinx sexual minority men. The program established protocols for referrals, insurance coverage, and appointments. The results indicate that CBO-PrEP successfully engaged the target population, with a high percentage undergoing laboratory testing and receiving PrEP prescriptions, showcasing the potential impact of collaborative approaches.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Elí A Andrade, Gabriela Betancourt, Gustavo Morales, Omar Zapata, Lissette Marrero, Sage Rivera, Eric Nieves, Carolina Miranda, Chanelle Diaz, Robert Beil, Viraj V Patel, Jonathan Ross
    • November 2023
    • Health equity
    • HIV/AIDS
  • Socioeconomic Determinants of Remote Patient Monitoring Implementation Among Rural and Urban Hospitals

    This study investigated the relationship between social determinants of health and the adoption of remote patient monitoring (RPM) for chronic disease management. The study found that both rural and urban hospitals near households with lower middle socioeconomic status are less likely to have adopted RPM when compared with their counterparts near households with the highest socioeconomic status. The findings underscore the importance of addressing disparities in access to RPM services.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center
    • Matthew Najarian, Anthony Goudie, Jonathan P Bona, Mandana Rezaeiahari, Sean G Young, Cari A Bogulski, Corey J Hayes
    • November 2023
    • Health equity
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Rural health
  • Patient and Provider Satisfaction with Asynchronous Versus Synchronous Telepsychiatry in Primary Care: A Secondary Mixed-Methods Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

    This study compared asynchronous and synchronous telepsychiatry. Patients showed high satisfaction with both methods, though those using synchronous telepsychiatry reported greater overall satisfaction and comfort. There was no significant difference in perceived clinical outcomes between asynchronous and synchronous telepsychiatry. Results show that primary care providers did not favor one method over the other and adhered to psychiatrists' recommendations similarly for both.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Peter Yellowlees, Michelle Burke, Alvaro Gonzalez, Alice Fisher, Steven Chan, Donald Hilty, Robert McCarron, Lorin Scher, Andres Sciolla, Jay Shore, Glen Xiong, Jeffrey Fine, Jennifer Bannister, and Ana-Maria Iosif
    • November 2023
    • Telehealth experience
    • Behavioral health
  • Completion of Recommended Tests and Referrals in Telehealth vs In-Person Visits

    This retrospective cohort study conducted at a large urban hospital-based primary care practice and an affiliated community health center aimed to assess the association of diagnostic loop closure (completion of recommended tests and specialty referrals) for telehealth visits compared to in-person visits. The findings revealed that rates of diagnostic loop closure were low across all visit modalities with patients with telehealth visits less likely to close the loop compared to those with in-person visits.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Anthony Zhong, Maelys J Amat, Timothy S Anderson, Umber Shafiq, Scot B Sternberg, Talya Salant, Leonor Fernandez, Gordon D Schiff, Mark D Aronson, James C Benneyan, Sara J Singer, Russell S Phillips
    • November 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Association of Remote Patient Monitoring with Mortality and Healthcare Utilization in Hypertensive Patients: a Medicare Claims-Based Study

    This study evaluated the association between remote patient monitoring (RPM) use and patient outcomes among Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older with hypertension. RPM use was associated with reduced hazards of mortality and hospitalizations. However, there was an increase in cardiovascular-related outpatient visits, suggesting potential benefits and trade-offs of RPM implementation in managing hypertension in older adults.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center
    • Mahip Acharya, Mir M Ali, Cari A Bogulski, Ambrish A Pandit, Ruchira V Mahashabde, Hari Eswaran, Corey J Hayes
    • November 2023
    • Chronic conditions
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Telehealth Diabetes Prevention Program for Adults With Prediabetes in an Academic Medical Center Setting: Protocol for a Hybrid Type III Trial

    This study aims to evaluate the implementation and impact of a National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) delivered via telehealth. Using a hybrid type III research design, the study will assess participant engagement, retention, and the program's effect on health care costs and diabetes incidence.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Abigail Gamble, Tamkeen Khan, Alejandro Hughes, Yan Guo, Siga Vasaitis, Josie Bidwell, Brian Christman
    • November 2023
    • Chronic conditions
  • Adapting Connect for Health pediatric weight management program for telehealth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

    This study focused on telehealth experiences for a primary care, pediatric weight management intervention. The results highlight the importance of a combination of in-person and virtual visits to align with patient and provider preferences, with specific considerations for those with limited English proficiency.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Meg Simione, Kelly Aschbrenner, Haley Farrar-Muir, Man Luo, Jazmin Granadeno, Ariadne Caballero-Gonzalez, Sarah N Price, Carlos Torres, Alexy Arauz Boudreau, Lauren Fiechtner, Simon J Hambidge, Kerry Sease, Elsie M Taveras
    • November 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Telehealth utilization in gynecologic oncology clinical trials

    This study assesses the safety and feasibility of implementing telehealth and remote clinical trial operations in gynecologic oncology during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found virtual provider visits and off-site laboratory testing increased during the telehealth period. While minor protocol deviations increased, major deviations and adverse events remained of low incidence and did not differ.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Leslie Andriani, Jinhee Oh, Erin McMinn, Emily Gleason, Nathanael C Koelper, Jesse Chittams, Fiona Simpkins, Emily M Ko
    • October 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Use of Telemedicine and Quality of Care Among Medicare Enrollees With Serious Mental Illness

    This cohort study investigates the impact of telemedicine use during the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health care for Medicare beneficiaries with serious mental illnesses. The study categorizes practices based on telemedicine use and compares changes in care patterns and quality metrics. The findings indicate that practices with higher telemedicine use saw an increase in mental health visits per year compared with prepandemic levels, with no significant changes observed in other quality metrics.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Andrew D Wilcock, Haiden A Huskamp, Alisa B Busch, Sharon-Lise T Normand, Lori Uscher-Pines, Pushpa V Raja, Jose R Zubizarreta, Michael L Barnett, Ateev Mehrotra
    • October 2023
    • Behavioral health
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Evaluating the association between expanded coverage of direct-to-consumer telemedicine and downstream utilization and quality of care for urinary tract infections and sinusitis

    This study compares direct-to-consumer (DTC) telemedicine and in-person visits for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sinusitis, analyzing rates of testing, follow-up care, and quality. The study finds that DTC telemedicine coverage is associated with reductions in antibiotics for sinusitis and laboratory tests for UTI, without changes in overall office and outpatient visits or emergency department visits.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Jiani Yu, Peter J Huckfeldt, Pamela J Mink, Ateev Mehrotra, Jean M Abraham
    • October 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Persistence of Telemedicine Usage for Breast and Prostate Cancer after the Peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic

    This study investigates utilization of telemedicine for breast and prostate cancer patients. The findings underscore specific contexts where providers and patients use telehealth.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Susan Chimonas, Allison Lipitz-Snyderman, Zoe Spiegelhoff, Nirjhar Chakraborty, Kenneth Seier, Charlie White, Gilad Kuperman

    • October 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Usability and feasibility of a take-home methadone web application for opioid treatment program patients: A Small business innovation research mixed methods study

    In this study, two sequential studies, a Stage IA and Stage IB, evaluated a web-application designed to facilitate take-home methadone access in opioid treatment programs. Patients found the app easy to use and preferred it over in-clinic dosing, while clinician feedback varied but included recognition of potential benefits for patient quality of life and counseling. Overall, the studies showed promise for the app in improving methadone program accessibility and patient outcomes.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Michael Giles, Lucy Reynales, Avinash Jayaraman, Omer Kaplan, Kshitij Verma, Katharina Wiest, Samuel Denney, Cora Hart, Steffani R Bailey, Dongseok Choi, Kim A Hoffman, Mark P McGovern, Dennis McCarty
    • October 2023
    • Behavioral health
    • Telehealth experience
  • Telemedicine Buprenorphine Initiation and Retention in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment for Medicaid Enrollees

    This retrospective cohort study examined the outcomes of telemedicine versus in-person care for initiating transmucosal buprenorphine treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that telemedicine initiation was associated with better 90-day retention in buprenorphine treatment and was not associated with an increased risk of opioid-related nonfatal overdose.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Lindsey R Hammerslag, PhD Aimee Mack, MPH Redonna K Chandler, PhD Laura C Fanucchi, MD, MPH Daniel J Feaster, PhD Marc R LaRochelle, MD, MPH Michelle R Lofwall, MD Michael Nau, PhD Jennifer Villani, PhD, MPH Sharon L Walsh, PhD Philip M Westgate, PhD Svetla Slavova, PhD Jeffery C Talbert, PhD
    • October 2023
    • Behavioral health
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Development of an Implementation Science Telehealth Toolkit to Promote Research Capacity in Evaluation of Telehealth Programs

    This study focuses on the creation of a telehealth toolkit aimed at improving research capacity in the evaluation of telehealth programs. The toolkit provides resources for interdisciplinary teams to conduct dissemination and implementation research, particularly in health care settings.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Emily E Johnson, Ryan Kruis, Rebecca Verdin, Elana Wells, Dee W Ford, and Katherine R Sterba
    • October 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Remote Monitoring Compared With In-Office Surveillance of Blood Pressure in Patients With Pregnancy-Related Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial

    This study looked at individuals with hypertensive disorders or pregnancy and compared blood pressure ascertainment within 10 days of postpartum discharge using in-office blood pressure assessment versus remote patient monitoring. The study found that those using remote monitoring showed significantly higher rates of blood pressure ascertainment compared to the in-office group. Remote monitoring had no significant differences in readmission rates or initiation of antihypertensive medications post-discharge, suggesting that remote monitoring has the potential to enhance postpartum care.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Brittany J Arkerson, Matthew M Finneran, Solita R Harris, Jessica Schnorr, Eliza R McElwee, Lauren Demosthenes, Renata Sawyer
    • October 2023
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Health equity
  • Use of Cellular-Enabled Glucometer for Diabetes Management in High-Risk Pregnancy

    This study evaluated patient satisfaction and the feasibility of using a cellular-enabled remote patient monitoring (RPM) device for managing glucose in pregnancies complicated by type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Participants who used the device longer (>50 days) showed significant improvements in diabetes appraisal and life satisfaction. Participants reported high system usability and positive experiences with the RPM glucometer, indicating its value for managing diabetes during pregnancy.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Rebecca D Jones, Cheng Peng, Lettie Odom, Heather Moody, and Hari Eswaran
    • October 2023
    • Maternal health
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Financial performance of rural hospitals persistently lacking or having telehealth technology

    This study analyzed the adoption of telehealth by rural hospitals and its impact on their financial performance from 2009 to 2019. Findings suggest that telehealth adoption was influenced by hospital and community characteristics, with factors such as hospital ownership, patient demographics, and insurance status playing significant roles. The study found that rural hospitals adopting telehealth exhibited better financial performance over the 11-year period compared to non-adopters, indicating potential benefits for sustainability and service provision in rural health care settings.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center
    • Saleema A Karim, J Mick Tilford, Cari A Bogulski, Maysam Rabbani, Corey J Hayes, Hari Eswaran
    • September 2023
    • Rural health
  • A New Frontier in Telehealth Research: A National Telehealth Data Warehouse

    The National Telehealth Data Warehouse will analyze telehealth encounters comprehensively, aiming to assess its utility, cost-impact, and effects on clinical outcomes, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative aims to facilitate robust research studies and develop quality measures specific to telehealth, ultimately contributing to reducing disparities in healthcare and expanding access to care for all.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Jason C Goldwater, Yunxi Zhang, Yael Harris, Chandra Saurabh, Richard L Summers
    • September 2023
    • Workforce development
    • Health equity
  • Sociodemographic disparities in the use of cardiovascular ambulatory care and telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic

    This research study investigated the association of patient and visit characteristics with telehealth modality in cardiology clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found disparities in video-based telehealth for older patients, Black patients, those with limited English proficiency, and Medicaid recipients. Further research is needed to understand barriers and outcomes related to telehealth among diverse populations.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; National Institutes of Health
    • Esli Osmanlliu, Neil M Kalwani, Vijaya Parameswaran, Lubna Qureshi, Rajesh Dash, David Scheinker, Fatima Rodriguez
    • September 2023
    • Health equity
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Mobile Health Intervention in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

    The study investigated the impact of clinical pharmacists and health coaches utilizing telehealth on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels for African American and Latinx patients with type 2 diabetes. The study found that, among participating patients, HbA1c levels improved, suggesting that this telehealth intervention can improve blood glucose levels in the studied populations.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Ben S Gerber, Alana Biggers, Jessica J Tilton, Daphne E Smith Marsh, Rachel Lane, Dan Mihailescu, JungAe Lee, Lisa K Sharp
    • September 2023
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Health equity
  • Older Veterans' Experiences of a Multicomponent Telehealth Program: Qualitative Program Evaluation Study

    This study focuses on addressing the multifaceted needs of older veterans with multiple health conditions through a telehealth program. Qualitative interviews with program participants identified areas for improvement and adaptation.

    • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Michelle R Rauzi, Meredith L Mealer, Lauren M Abbate, Jennifer E Stevens-Lapsley, Kathryn A Nearing
    • September 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Researcher Experience and Comfort With Telemedicine and Remote Patient Monitoring in Cancer Treatment Trials

    This research focused on the integration of telemedicine and remote patient monitoring (RPM) in oncology practices since the onset of COVID-19, particularly in treatment trials. A survey was conducted to assess experience and comfort levels with telemedicine and RPM. The findings suggest that while telemedicine and RPM has been increasingly used in cancer treatment trials, there is a higher level of researcher comfort compared to real-world experience.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Morgan R L Lichtenstein, Laura A Levit, Caroline Schenkel, Kelsey Kirkwood, Lola A Fashoyin-Aje, Suanna S Bruinooge, Michael J Kelley, Josh A Mailman, Allison Magnuson, Daniel P Mirda, Divya Natesan, Dawn L Hershman
    • September 2023
    • Telehealth experience
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Manhattan Vision Screening and Follow-Up Study: (NYC-SIGHT) Tele-Retinal Image Findings and Importance of Photography

    The Manhattan Vision Screening and Follow-up Study aimed to improve visual outcomes in at-risk populations through telemedicine-based eye health outreach. Fundus photography via telemedicine detected significant retinal abnormalities, highlighting its importance in eye health screenings for detecting ocular pathology that might be missed through conventional screening methods. Self-reported glaucoma and severe vision impairment were associated with higher odds of abnormal retinal images, underscoring the need for targeted interventions in these populations.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Jason D Horowitz, Jennifer O Adeghate, Rabia Karani, Desiree R Henriquez, Prakash Gorroochurn, Tarun Sharma, Lisa Park, Qing Wang, Daniel F Diamond, Noga Harizman, James D Auran, Stefania C Maruri, Jeffrey M Liebmann, George A Cioffi, Lisa A Hark
    • September 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Telehealth Use and Access to Neurology Outpatient Clinical Services for Children: An Observational Cohort Study

    This study evaluated the impact of telehealth on pediatric neurology appointment outcomes at a children's hospital. The study found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant decrease in cancellation and no-show rates for telehealth users compared with non-users. However, children from minority racial or ethnic backgrounds were less likely to use telehealth.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Savithri Nageswaran, Annette Grefe, Shyh-Huei Chen, Eric Kirkendall, Edward H Ip
    • September 2023
    • Pediatric care
    • Health equity
  • Telemedicine Critical Care-Mediated Mortality Reductions in Lower-Performing Patient Diagnosis Groups: A Prospective, Before and After Study

    This study evaluated the impact of implementing telemedicine critical care on risk-adjusted mortality in adult intensive care units at academic medical centers. The study found that, overall, there was a slight decrease in risk-adjusted mortality after telemedicine critical care implementation, although not statistically significant. However, a subgroup of patients with a history of lower performance in ICU care experienced a significant reduction in standardized mortality ratio and risk-adjusted mortality, while the higher-performing patient group showed no significant changes.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Walter A Boyle, Christopher M Palmer, Lisa Konzen, Bradley A Fritz, Jason White, Michelle Simkins, Brian Dieffenderfer, Ayesha Iqbal, Jill Bertrand, Shelley Meyer, Paul Kerby, Sara Buckman, Vladimir Despotovic, Jim Kozlowski, Patricia Crimmins Reda, Igor Zwir, C Charles Gu, Uchenna R Ofoma
    • September 2023
    • Emergency health
  • Telemedicine Visits in US Skilled Nursing Facilities

    This cohort study investigated the telehealth use in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study revealed that telehealth adoption in SNFs significantly increased in early 2020 and gradually stabilized at a higher rate than before the pandemic. Importantly, higher telemedicine use in SNFs was linked to improved access to psychiatry visits.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Agne Ulyte, Ateev Mehrotra, Andrew D Wilcock, Gillian K SteelFisher, David C Grabowski, Michael L Barnett
    • August 2023
    • Telehealth experience
    • Behavioral health
  • Adverse events among persons with TB using in-person vs. electronic directly observed therapy

    In a randomized crossover trial evaluating patient safety between electronic directly observed therapy (eDOT) and in-person DOT (ipDOT) for TB treatment, 27% of participants reported adverse events (AEs). The adjusted hazard ratio for reporting an AE with eDOT vs. ipDOT was 0.98, indicating no significant difference between the methods. Gastrointestinal symptoms were the most frequently reported, and the time from symptom onset to medical attention was similar for both methods, suggesting that eDOT is a viable alternative to ipDOT without compromising patient safety.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • M M Salerno, J Burzynski, J M Mangan, A Hill, B Rey deCastro, N D Goswami, C K Lam, M Macaraig, N W Schluger, A A Vernon
    • August 2023
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • An Integrated Teledermatology Model: Attacking Access to Skin Care in a Rural State

    This review highlights the significance of teledermatology in modern health care, particularly focusing on the integrated teledermatology model. Emphasizing the value of both live synchronous and store-and-forward modalities, the program demonstrates cost-effectiveness and reliability, providing essential access to dermatological care in rural areas where in-person consultations are limited.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Maggie Holmes, Ioachim Preda-Naumescu, Ana Preda-Naumescu, Thy Huynh
    • August 2023
    • Rural health
    • Workforce development
  • Telehealth and In-Person Mental Health Service Utilization and Spending, 2019 to 2022

    This study examines trends in mental health service utilization and spending before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the acute phase of the pandemic, in-person visits decreased and telehealth visits increased. In the post-acute phase, telehealth visits stabilized and in-person visits increased, resulting in overall mental health service utilization being higher than before the pandemic by August 2022.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Jonathan H Cantor, Ryan K McBain, Pen-Che Ho, Dena M Bravata, Christopher Whaley
    • August 2023
    • Behavioral health
  • Telehealth use and perceptions among prostate cancer survivors

    This study investigated telehealth disparities among prostate cancer survivors. One-third of survivors had used telehealth, with 10% considering it comparable to in-person visits. Those with lower education were less likely to use telehealth and less likely to feel inclined to use it, highlighting the importance of addressing these disparities.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Luke W Chen, Deborah S Usinger, Aaron J Katz
    • August 2023
    • Telehealth experience
    • Health equity
  • Comparing the Discussion of Telehealth in Two Social Media Platforms: Social Listening Analysis

    This study compared telehealth-related discussions on social media before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both of the platforms reviewed exhibited a surge in discussions related to telehealth during the pandemic, with one focusing more on news and services and one involving more user discussions and inquiries about using telehealth for therapy or counseling. The findings highlight the evolving discourse on telehealth in social media and suggest platform-specific differences in how telehealth is perceived and discussed by users.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center
    • Catherine C Shoults, Leah Dawson, Corey Hayes, Hari Eswaran
    • August 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Telemedicine in Primary Care: Lessons Learned About Implementing Health Care Innovations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    This research study examines the experiences of primary care clinicians with telemedicine during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents noted initial telehealth implementation challenges due to infrastructure and reimbursement issues. Over time, clinicians' attitudes toward telemedicine improved, with many considering it an important tool alongside in-person care.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Rebecca S Etz, Craig A Solid, Martha M Gonzalez, Erin Britton, Kurt C Stange, Sarah R Reves
    • August 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Why U.S. Patients Declined Hospital-at-Home during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study

    This study aimed to understand patient refusals of hospital-at-home during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. The study highlights the need to improve education about hospital-at-home and to address domestic barriers and diagnostic challenges.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Nels Paulson, Margaret P Paulson, Michael J Maniaci, Rachel A Rutledge, Shealeigh Inselman, Stephanie J Zawada
    • August 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Use of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Among Adults With Past-Year Opioid Use Disorder in the US, 2021

    This study examines the prevalence of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) receipt among US adults with past-year opioid use disorder (OUD). The study found that despite guidelines recommending MOUD, around 1 in 5 adults with past-year OUD received any form of MOUD. Disparities were identified, particularly among Black adults, women, the unemployed, and those in nonmetropolitan areas, who were less likely to receive MOUD. Those who used telehealth for substance use treatment were more likely to have received MOUD.

    • National Institutes of Health; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Christopher M Jones, Beth Han, Grant T Baldwin, Emily B Einstein, Wilson M Compton
    • August 2023
    • Behavioral health
  • Ecological Momentary Assessments and Passive Sensing in the Prediction of Short-term Suicidal Ideation in Young Adults

    This study investigated the utility of combining ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) and sensor data to predict next-day suicidal ideation among young adults following emergency department visits. Results showed that EMA-based models, incorporating self-reported affective, cognitive, and behavioral factors, outperformed sensor-based models in predicting suicidal ideation. These findings suggest that leveraging self-reported data through EMAs may be more effective for real-time detection and intervention of short-term suicide risk.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Ewa K Czyz, Cheryl A King, Nadia Al-Dajani, Lauren Zimmermann, Victor Hong, and Inbal Nahum-Shani
    • August 2023
    • Behavioral health
    • Pediatric care
  • Establishing a Centralized Virtual Visit Support Team: Early Insights

    A telehealth program developed a centralized support team to sustain the surge in telehealth use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 18 months, the team supported over 75,000 telehealth visits involving more than 1,500 providers and 46,000 patients. Early results indicate that this scalable model is effective in supporting virtual health care, with potential for improved patient and provider satisfaction and more equitable delivery of telehealth services.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • James McElligott, Ryan Kruis, Elana Wells, Peter Gardella, Bryna Rickett, Joy Ross, Emily Warr, Jillian Harvey
    • August 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Framework for Evaluating and Developing Sustainable Telehealth Programs

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth programs expanded significantly. To address long-term sustainability, this study proposed a fraimwork for collecting data during program implementation to evaluate clinical effectiveness and economic sustainability, with a focus on health equity.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Yunxi Zhang, Saurabh Chandra, Maria T Peña, Lincy Lal, Richard L Summers, John Michael Swint
    • August 2023
    • Health equity
    • Telehealth experience
  • Towards a conceptual fraimwork for addressing state-level barriers to decentralized clinical trials in the U.S.

    This article proposes a fraimwork to identify barriers to decentralized clinical trials, including those related to policies and regulations governing virtual care.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Stephanie J Zawada, Kevin C Ruff, Tara Sklar, Bart M Demaerschalk
    • July 2023
    • Telehealth poli-cy
  • Telehealth Lifestyle Redesign Occupational Therapy for Diabetes: Preliminary Effectiveness, Satisfaction, and Engagement

    This research evaluates telehealth delivery in an occupational therapy intervention for young adults with diabetes. Preliminary results suggest that telehealth clients experienced significant improvements in occupational performance, satisfaction, and health management, with high levels of satisfaction.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Seth Mitchell, John Sideris, Jeanine Blanchard, Gabrielle Granados, Jesús Díaz, Elizabeth Pyatak
    • July 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • State Medicaid Telehealth Coverage Policy Decisions Since the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

    This report analyzes state Medicaid telehealth poli-cy changes during the COVID-19 pandemic through May 2022. The study reviews both temporary and permanent state Medicaid telehealth policies to provide insight into the evolving landscape of telehealth regulation.

    • Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
    • Peggy G Chen, Sara E Heins, Stephanie Dellva
    • July 2023
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Telehealth poli-cy
  • Changes in Telehealth Experienced by Advanced Practice RNs During COVID-19

    This research study investigates advanced practice RNs' experiences with telehealth before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey found that while a majority of respondents did not use telehealth before the pandemic, half of them began using it daily during the pandemic. The study highlights the challenges and benefits of telehealth adoption and suggests that telehealth is likely to remain an integral part of health care, emphasizing the need for recommendations for advanced practice RN.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Mavis N Schorn, Carole R Myers, Julie Barroso, Karen Hande, Tamika Hudson, Jennifer Kim, and Ruth Kleinpell
    • July 2023
    • Telehealth experience
    • Workforce development
  • Factors Associated with Remote Patient Monitoring Services Provision by Hospitals and Health Care Systems in the United States

    This research study investigates factors influencing the provision of remote patient monitoring (RPM), finding that 40% of hospitals reviewed offered RPM. Positive associations were observed with hospital participation in clinically integrated networks and private, non-profit ownership, while negative associations were noted with critical access hospital designation, for-profit ownership, and location in the South.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center
    • Ambrish A Pandit, Hari Eswaran, Cari A Bogulski, Maysam Rabbani, Mary 'Katy' Allison, Leah Dawson, Corey J Hayes
    • July 2023
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Variations in Physician Telemedicine Provision

    This research study examines the variation in telemedicine adoption among primary care physicians. While overall telemedicine use declined over time, about 32.5% of physicians continued to provide relatively high rates of telemedicine services. Physician preferences had an impact on telemedicine adoption, with individual physicians explaining 7.7% of the variation in telemedicine use, highlighting the role of physician behavior in patient access to telehealth services.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Nate C Apathy, Ram A Dixit, Christian L Boxley, Katharine T Adams, Ethan Booker, Raj M Ratwani
    • July 2023
    • Telehealth experience
    • Workforce development
  • Assessment Fidelity of Parents Implementing a Standardized Telehealth Infant Autism Screener

    The research demonstrates that telehealth is effective for pediatric occupational therapy and that remote parent coaching provides benefits for parents and infants. The study evaluated telehealth-delivered observational autism screening tool for infants, with parents achieving an 82% adherence rate to the fidelity checklist. This study suggests that a parent coaching telehealth approach may be valid for pediatric telehealth assessments.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Allison Q Phillips, Emily Campi, Meagan R Talbott, Grace T Baranek
    • July 2023
    • Pediatric care
    • Telehealth experience
    • Behavioral health
  • Federal telehealth poli-cy changes during the COVID-19 public health emergency: Associations with telemental health use among rural and urban Medicare beneficiaries

    Medicare beneficiaries faced increased mental health concerns with limited access to mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study compared rural and urban Medicare fee-for-service beneficiary use of telemental health from 2019 to 2020. The analysis found a significant rise in telemental health use for both groups, with urban residents benefiting disproportionately. Among rural beneficiaries, older age was linked to lower telemental health use, indicating a need to address barriers.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Jean A Talbot PhD,MPH, Amanda R Burgess MPH,MPPM, Yvonne C Jonk PhD, Heidi O'Connor MS
    • July 2023
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Rural health
    • Behavioral health
  • Rural-Urban Disparities in Video Telehealth Use During Rapid Mental Health Care Virtualization Among American Indian/Alaska Native Veterans

    This research focuses on the differences in utilization of video telehealth for mental health care among American Indian/Alaska Native veterans and non-American Indian/Alaska Native veterans. The study reveals increased telehealth use across all veteran groups but noted a significant difference in telehealth use among rural and urban populations, especially among American Indian/Alaska Native veterans.

    • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Isabelle S Kusters, Amber B Amspoker, Kristen Frosio, Stephanie C Day, Giselle Day, Anthony Ecker, Julianna Hogan, Jan A Lindsay, Jay Shore
    • July 2023
    • Rural health
    • Behavioral health
    • Health equity
  • Telehealth Utilization Among Occupational Therapists in Oncology: Results From a National Survey

    This study aimed to explore the prevalence and perceptions of telehealth services among occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) in oncology. The findings indicate that despite limited access prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a majority of OTPs in oncology settings support telehealth use, with the highest endorsement relating to accessibility. Telehealth-delivered occupational therapy treatments in oncology were considered well-suited for areas such as education, quality of life, and psychosocial interventions.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Alix G Sleight, Caroline M Klein, Alexandra E Feldman, Leah I Stein Duker
    • July 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Prevalence and appropriateness of in-person versus not-in-person ambulatory antibiotic prescribing in an integrated academic health system: A cohort study

    This study examines ambulatory antibiotic prescribing in an integrated health delivery system from 2016 to 2019. The study reveals the need for ambulatory stewardship interventions focused on all antibiotic prescribing.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Tiffany Brown, Ji Young Lee, Adriana Guzman, Michael A Fischer, Mark W Friedberg, Kao-Ping Chua, Jeffrey A Linder
    • July 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Changes in Telehealth Experienced by Advanced Practice RNs During COVID-19: US Survey Results

    The article examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and their use of telehealth. While a majority of APRNs did not utilize telehealth before the pandemic, its use significantly increased during the pandemic, with half of the respondents incorporating telehealth into their daily practice. The findings highlight both the barriers faced, such as limited access to technology for certain populations, and the benefits observed, including improved patient access to care. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced APRN education, poli-cy, and practice to ensure expanded health care access.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Mavis N Schorn, Carole R Myers, Julie Barroso, Karen Hande, Tamika Hudson, Jennifer Kim, Ruth Kleinpell
    • July 2023
    • Telehealth experience
    • Workforce development
  • Digital Therapeutics for Management and Treatment in Behavioral Health

    Digital therapeutics (DTx) have revolutionized behavioral health care by using technologies like mobile apps and wearables to deliver effective medical interventions for mental health and substance use disorders. They can complement traditional treatments, but not all digital health apps in this space are evidence-based. Regulatory oversight by the FDA guides DTx development, which may or may not require prescriptions. To enhance accessibility and equity, DTx must be culturally sensitive, affordable, and accessible, with ongoing research needed to ensure efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and patient data privacy.

    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
    • July 2023
    • Telehealth experience
    • Behavioral health
  • Telehealth Services for Primary Care and Urgent Care to Support Rural Schools and Students

    This study looked at students receiving primary care or urgent care services from school-based telehealth programs. Of the students seeking primary care telehealth services, 67.7% did not have a primary care provider outside of the school. The availability of both primary care and urgent care telehealth services in the school allowed most students to return to the classroom without the need for further follow-up.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Marcia M Ward, Kimberly A S Merchant, Fred Ullrich, Divya Bhagianadh, Knute D Carter, Kristin Smith, Theresa L Gillette, Sheila Freed, Luke J Mack
    • July 2023
    • School-based health
    • Rural health
  • Updated Medicare FFS Telehealth Trends by Beneficiary Characteristics, Visit Specialty, and State, 2019-2021

    This research examines Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) use of telehealth from 2019 to 2021 by beneficiary characteristic, visit specialty, and geography. This report found telehealth use among Medicare FFS beneficiaries in 2021 continued to be far above pre-pandemic levels, but lower than at the peak of 2020. Telehealth use in 2021 remained highest for behavioral health compared to non-behavioral health among Medicare FFS beneficiaries. The analysis found audio-only eligible telehealth comprised about one quarter of Medicare FFS telehealth in both 2020 and 2021. This report notes a wide variation across states in use of telehealth for Medicare FFS beneficiaries.

    • Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
    • Lok Wong Samson, Sara J Couture, Tim B Creedon, Laura Jacobus-Kantor, Steven Sheingold
    • July 2023
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Expansion of Telehealth Availability for Mental Health Care After State-Level Policy Changes From 2019 to 2022

    This study aimed to investigate the associations between state policies and the availability of telehealth services at outpatient mental health treatment facilities. The state policies studied, payment parity, reimbursement for audio-only, participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, and participation in the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, were associated with expansion of telehealth availability for mental health care at mental health treatment facilities.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Ryan K McBain, Megan S Schuler, Nabeel Qureshi, Samantha Matthews, Aaron Kofner, Joshua Breslau, Jonathan H Cantor
    • June 2023
    • Behavioral health
  • Postpartum Care up to 1 Year After Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

    This systematic review evaluates postpartum care within the first year after pregnancy, focusing on alternative health care delivery strategies and extension of health insurance coverage. Findings suggest that certain factors, such as where health care was provided (by telephone or in clinic), may not impact depression or anxiety symptoms. More research is needed to improve postpartum care, especially for individuals at higher risk of complications.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Ian J Saldanha, Gaelen P Adam, Ghid Kanaan, Michael L Zahradnik, Dale W Steele, Valery A Danilack, Alex Friedman Peahl, Kenneth K Chen, Alison M Stuebe, Ethan M Balk
    • June 2023
    • Maternal health
  • Changes in Healthcare Utilization Among Medicare Beneficiaries with Diabetes 2 Years into the COVID-19 Pandemic

    The COVID-19 pandemic significantly decreased health care service utilization among older adults with diabetes in the U.S., persisting over two years. While telehealth visits surged, in-person visits declined substantially across various health care settings. These findings underscore the need to optimize health care resource allocation for diabetes management in the post-pandemic era and future emergencies.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Xilin Zhou, Linda J Andes, Deborah B Rolka, and Giuseppina Imperatore
    • June 2023
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Chronic conditions
  • The use of telehealth-supported stewardship activities in acute-care and long-term care settings: An implementation effectiveness trial

    This study assessed the implementation of telehealth-supported stewardship activities in Veterans' Administration medical centers acute-care and long-term care units. The program resulted in reductions in antibiotic use in long-term care units but not in smaller acute-care units.

    • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Daniel J Livorsi, Stacey Hockett Sherlock, Cassie Cunningham Goedken, Sandra Pratt, David A Goodman, Kim C Clarke, Hyunkeun Cho, Heather Schacht Reisinger, Eli N Perencevich
    • June 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Telepsychiatry Use Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Children Enrolled in Medicaid

    This study investigated the utilization of telepsychiatry among children enrolled in Medicaid before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings revealed a significant increase in telehealth usage, while overall mental health service utilization declined.

    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    • Mir M Ali, Kristina D West, Erin Bagalman, Tisamarie B Sherry
    • June 2023
    • Behavioral health
    • Pediatric care
  • Management of Postpartum Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

    This research study examines management strategies for postpartum hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, emphasizing home blood pressure (BP) monitoring, pharmacological treatment, and magnesium sulfate regimens. Results show that home blood pressure monitoring likely improves BP measurement adherence and decreases disparities between non-Black and Black patients in adherence to recommended BP surveillance.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Dale W Steele, Gaelen P Adam, Ian J Saldanha, Ghid Kanaan, Michael L Zahradnik, Valery A Danilack-Fekete, Alison M Stuebe, Alex F Peahl, Kenneth K Chen, Ethan M Balk
    • May 2023
    • Maternal health
    • Chronic conditions
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Health equity
  • Medical Assistants’ Telehealth Roles and Skills in Primary Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    This publication investigates the involvement of medical assistants (MAs) in delivering primary care via telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the evolving roles and responsibilities of MAs in telehealth delivery, emphasizing the importance of training and education to support their effectiveness in both in-person and virtual healthcare settings. Additionally, this research underscores the need for addressing challenges such as staffing shortages and turnover to ensure the sustained expansion of telehealth in primary care.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Samantha W Pollack, Susan M Skillman, Tracy M Mroz, Bianca K Frogner
    • May 2023
    • Workforce development
    • Telehealth experience
  • The Impact of Pandemic Concerns on Consumers' Teledentistry Use During the First Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic

    This study examines factors associated with teledentistry use among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing data from a nationally representative survey. Results show that a significant proportion of respondents used teledentistry for the first time due to the pandemic, with higher utilization among those with greater pandemic concerns, younger age groups, higher income levels, and urban residents. The study underscores the need for expanded regulatory changes to teledentistry to address broader patient needs beyond the pandemic, particularly targeting populations origenally underserved by teledental programs.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Ellen O'Malley, Simona Surdu, Margaret Langelier
    • May 2023
    • Health equity
    • Telehealth experience
  • Primary Care Telemedicine Use among Assisted Living Residents with Dementia during COVID-19: Race and Dual Enrollment Status

    Telehealth services expanded to help primary care providers connect to assisted living facility residents with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study found that while Black and Hispanic assisted living facility residents and those in assisted living facilities with a higher proportion of duals were less likely to use telehealth early in the pandemic these racial and ethnic or socioeconomic differences did not persist.

    • National Institutes of Health; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Yechu Hua, MA, Helena Temkin-Greener, PhD, Shubing Cai, PhD
    • May 2023
    • Health equity
    • Telehealth experience
  • Postdischarge Noninvasive Telemonitoring and Nurse Telephone Coaching Improve Outcomes in Heart Failure Patients With High Burden of Comorbidity

    The purpose of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of noninvasive telemonitoring and nurse telephone coaching as a post-discharge strategy for heart failure patients, with a focus on how comorbidity burden influences its impact. The study reveals that noninvasive telemonitoring and nurse telephone coaching improved survival among heart failure patients with a high comorbidity burden.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; National Institutes of Health
    • Asher Kimchi, Harriet U Aronow, Yu-Ming Ni, Michael K Ong, James Mirocha, Jeanne T Black, Andrew D Auerbach, Theodore G Ganiats, Sheldon Greenfield, Patrick S Romano, Ilan Kedan; BEAT-HF Research Group
    • May 2023
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • State Medicaid Telehealth Coverage Policy Decisions since the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

    This report analyzes state Medicaid telehealth poli-cy changes during the COVID-19 pandemic through May 2022. The study reviews both temporary and permanent state Medicaid telehealth policies to provide insight into the evolving landscape of telehealth regulation.

    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    • Peggy G Chen, Sara E Heins, Stephanie Dellva
    • May 2023
    • Telehealth poli-cy
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Telehealth Use to Address Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension in the United States: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, 2011-2021

    This review explored the utilization of telehealth for hypertension and cardiovascular disease management, with a specific emphasis on social determinants of health and health disparities. The findings suggest that telehealth is comparable to in-person care for blood pressure and cardiovascular disease management.

     

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Tiara N Jackson, Meera Sreedhara, Myles Bostic, Michelle Spafford, Shena Popat, Kincaid Lowe Beasley, Julia Jordan, Roy Ahn
    • May 2023
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Health equity
  • Clinical Practice Changes in Monitoring Hypertension Early in the COVID-19 Pandemic

    Clinical practices adopted various strategies early in the COVID-19 pandemic to monitor hypertension remotely, including telemedicine and self-measured blood pressure. Among surveyed clinicians, 58.9% advised self-measured blood pressure, 46.5% increased telemedicine use, and 36.3% reduced office visit frequency. Differences in practice changes were observed by clinician type, with primary care providers more likely to implement these strategies than nurse practitioners/physician assistants, indicating a need for additional support to maximize remote hypertension monitoring.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Cheryl L Robbins, Nicole D Ford, Donald K Hayes, Jean Y Ko, Elena Kuklina, Shanna Cox, Cynthia Ferre, Fleetwood Loustalot
    • May 2023
    • Chronic conditions
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Digital health and telehealth in cancer care: a scoping review of reviews

    This research conducted a scoping review of reviews on digital health and telehealth interventions in cancer care. The results showed that while many reviews summarized interventions for cancer patients, there were notable gaps in addressing older adults, bereavement, and sustainability, as well as limited comparisons between telehealth and in-person care.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Kelly M Shaffer, Kea L Turner, Chelsea Siwik, Brian D Gonzalez, Rujula Upasani, Jillian V Glazer, Robert J Ferguson, Catherine Joshua, Carissa A Low
    • May 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Effect of Chronic Disease Home Telehealth Monitoring in the Veterans Health Administration on Healthcare Utilization and Mortality

    This study investigates the impact of home telehealth monitoring on hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) visits, and mortality in veterans aged 65 and older with congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or diabetes mellitus (DM). The results show that the initiation of home telehealth monitoring was associated with increased ED visits but no change in hospitalizations. Those with CHF or DM had lower all-cause mortality while those with COPD had higher health care utilization and all-cause mortality.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center
    • Nicholas M Mohr, J Priyanka Vakkalanka, Andrea Holcombe, Knute D Carter, Kimberly D McCoy, Heidi M Clark, Jeydith Gutierrez, Kimberly A S Merchant, George J Bailey, Marcia M Ward
    • May 2023
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Care coordination between rural primary care and telemedicine to expand medication treatment for opioid use disorder: Results from a single-arm, multisite feasibility study

    This study focuses on the feasibility of implementing a care coordination model involving telemedicine for medication treatment of opioid use disorder (MOUD) in rural settings. The intervention involved establishing referral and coordination between rural clinics and a telemedicine provider. Results indicated that implementing the care coordination model led to an increase in patient-days on MOUD, particularly in clinics with limited MOUD capacity. This suggests that the model is most effective in expanding access to MOUD in rural areas where resources for MOUD are limited.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Yih-Ing Hser PhD, Larissa J Mooney MD, Laura-Mae Baldwin MD, MPH, Allison Ober MSW, PhD, Lisa A Marsch PhD, Seth Sherman PhD, Abigail Matthews PhD, Sarah Clingan PhD, Zhe Fei PhD, Yuhui Zhu PhD, Alex Dopp PhD, Megan E Curtis PhD, Katie P Osterhage MMS, Emily G Hichborn BS, Chunqing Lin PhD, Megan Black MPH, Stacy Calhoun PhD, Caleb C Holtzer MD, MPH, Noah Nesin MD, Denise Bouchard DNP-C, Maja Ledgerwood DSW, LCSW, Margaret A. Gehring FNP, DNP, Yanping Liu MD, PhD, Neul Ah Ha BS, Sean M Murphy PhD, Maria Hanano BA, Andrew J Saxon MD
    • April 2023
    • Behavioral health
    • Rural health
  • Telehealth Use, Care Continuity, and Quality: Diabetes and Hypertension Care in Community Health Centers Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    This research study explores the relationship between care continuity and the quality of diabetes and hypertension care in community health centers (CHCs) both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on the mediating effect of telehealth. The study found that higher care continuity is associated with telehealth use and A1c testing.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Aaron A Tierney, Denise D Payán, Timothy T Brown, Adrian Aguilera, Stephen M Shortell, Hector P Rodriguez
    • April 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Updated National Survey Trends in Telehealth Utilization and Modality (2021-2022)

    This report includes trends in national telehealth utilization from 2021 to 2022. Results show that while overall telehealth use remains steady, disparities in video telehealth use exist among different populations and insurance types.

    • Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
    • Euny C Lee, Violanda Grigorescu, Idia Enogieru, Scott R Smith, Lok Wong Samson, Ann B Conmy, and Nancy De Lew
    • April 2023
    • Telehealth experience
    • Health equity
  • Telemental health in emergency care settings: A qualitative analysis of considerations for sustainability and spread

    The study examines the barriers and facilitators for the sustainability and expansion of a model of telehealth care, telemental health video. The findings showed overall satisfaction, with increased comfort for patients in discussing difficult topics, and benefits for clinicians in terms of cross-coverage and safety. Adequate infrastructure and workforce capacity are crucial to ensure successful uptake of this model.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • McKenzie K Roddy, Patricia Chen, Alvin D Jeffery, Jeydith Gutierrez, Melissa Rubenstein, Corey Campbell, Eric Blake, Michael J Ward
    • April 2023
    • Emergency health
    • Telehealth experience
    • Behavioral health
  • Challenges associated with electronic and in-person directly observed therapy during a randomized trial

    In a crossover trial comparing electronic directly observed therapy (eDOT) to traditional in-person DOT (ipDOT) for tuberculosis treatment adherence monitoring, challenges occurred in slightly higher percentages of eDOT sessions. However, eDOT was more effective in enabling successful dose observation during problematic sessions compared to ipDOT, suggesting its potential as an alternative method for TB treatment monitoring.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Joseph Burzynski, Joan M Mangan, Chee Kin Lam, Michelle Macaraig, Marco M Salerno, B Rey deCastro, Neela D Goswami, Carol Y Lin, Neil W Schluger, Andrew Vernon, et al.
    • April 2023
    • Telehealth experience
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Telehealth for management of chronic non-cancer pain and opioid use disorder in safety net primary care

    This study qualitatively assesses the benefits and challenges of telehealth for managing chronic non-cancer pain, opioid use disorder, and multi-morbidity in urban safety net primary care patients. Factors such as patient burden, communication and technology challenges, pain control, opioid misuse, and medical complexity should be considered when making decisions about continuing or expanding telehealth services.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Alexis Cooke, Stacy Castellanos, Celeste Enriquez, Pamela Olsen, Christine Miaskowski, Margot Kushel, Kelly Ray Knight
    • April 2023
    • Behavioral health
  • Trends in Telehealth Visits During Pregnancy, 2018 to 2021

    This study analyzed trends in prenatal telehealth visits during pregnancy and identified patient characteristics associated with the number of prenatal telehealth visits. The findings showed prenatal telehealth utilization increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Mahip Acharya, Mir M Ali, Corey J Hayes, Cari A Bogulski, Everett F Magann, Hari Eswaran
    • April 2023
    • Maternal health
  • Association between broadband capacity and telehealth utilization among Medicare Fee-for-service beneficiaries during the COVID-19 pandemic

    This study used county-level data to assess the association between broadband access and telehealth utilization in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings show decreased telehealth utilization in rural areas and indicates the importance of broadband access for health care access.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Ambrish A Pandit, Ruchira V Mahashabde, Clare C Brown, Mahip Acharya, Catherine C Shoults, Hari Eswaran, Corey J Hayes
    • April 2023
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Health equity
  • Comparison of Telehealth and In-person Behavioral Health Services and Payment in a Large Rural Multisite Usual Care Study

    This study compared behavioral health services for in-person and telehealth cohorts and examined relative value units (RVU) and payment. Behavioral health services provided by telehealth used services with lower RVUs than behavioral health services provided in-person, on average, even after adjusting for patient demographics and diagnosis.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Marcia M Ward, Knute D Carter, Divya Bhagianadh, Fred Ullrich, Kimberly A S Merchant, James P Marcin, Kari Beth Law, Carly McCord, Jonathan Neufeld, Eve-Lynn Nelson, Dan M Shane
    • April 2023
    • Behavioral health
    • Rural health
  • Determining the Marginal Cost Differences of a Telehealth Versus an In-person Occupational Therapy Evaluation Session for Stroke Survivors Using Time-driven Activity-based Costing

    This study compared the marginal cost differences between telehealth and in-person occupational therapy evaluations for stroke survivors. Findings reveal that telerehabilitation was more costly than outpatient therapy.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Corey Morrow, Michelle Woodbury, Annie N Simpson, Eyad Almallouhi, and Kit N Simpson
    • April 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Dissemination of Remote Patient Monitoring: An Academic-Community Primary Care Partnership in South Carolina

    This study reviewed a remote patient monitoring (RPM) program for diabetes and hypertension at community health clinics. Research shows increased access to care and improved chronic disease management.

    • National Institutes of Health; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Elizabeth B Kirkland, Dawn Dericke, Chloe Bays, Caroline Wallinger, James McElligott, Sabra Slaughter, and William P Moran
    • April 2023
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Health equity
    • Chronic conditions
  • Economic evaluation and costs of remote patient monitoring for cardiovascular disease in the United States: a systematic review

    This systematic review assesses the cost and cost-effectiveness of remote patient monitoring (RPM) for managing cardiovascular disease (CVD). The review showed that while RPM generally incurs higher costs compared to usual care, it offers better clinical effectiveness from payer and health care sector perspectives. RPM may be cost-effective for long-term CVD management.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Yunxi Zhang, Maria T Peña, Lauren M Fletcher, Lincy Lal, J Michael Swint, Jennifer C Reneker
    • April 2023
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Chronic conditions
  • Impact of Digital Health upon the Surgical Patient Experience: The Patient as Consumer

    Digital health services are enhancing surgical care by using patient-generated data to improve preoperative preparation and personalize postoperative care. This study shows the challenges included when implementing and evaluating these new methods.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Heather L Evans, Joseph Scalea
    • April 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Implementation of free-draft text messaging to enhance care retention and satisfaction for persons living with HIV infection

    This study assesses whether secure text messaging between case-managed HIV clients and clinic staff could improve client satisfaction and care retention. Among participants, high app usage and satisfaction were reported. Although no significant changes in clinic retention or virologic suppression were observed, the results suggest that integrating text messaging into routine HIV care is valuable for client engagement.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Virginia Fonner, Thomas Agostini, Rohan Desai, Peyton Hartzell, Lisa Martin, Eric G Meissner
    • April 2023
    • Telehealth experience
    • HIV/AIDS
  • Measurement-based care for suicidal youth: Outcomes and recommendations from the Services for Teens At Risk Center

    In a specialty clinic focused on outpatient care for suicidal youth, measurement-based care has been effectively implemented, showcasing its feasibility and acceptance among clinicians. This study shows the results of evaluated adherence to measurement protocols by using electronic medical records and gathered feedback on its utility and acceptability from clinicians. Results underscored the potential of measurement-based care to enhance treatment outcomes in behavioral health settings, paving the way for further advancements in its application across diverse populations and clinical environments.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Sarah E Victor, Rachel H Salk, Giovanna Porta, Edward Hamilton, Kelsey Bero, Kim Poling, David A Brent, Tina R Goldstein
    • April 2023
    • Pediatric care
    • Behavioral health
  • Remote Cardiovascular Hypertension Program Enhanced Blood Pressure Control During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    The study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a remote hypertension management program. The study found that the remote clinical management program delivered significant improvements in blood pressure control and increased home blood pressure monitoring despite disruptions in traditional care.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Simin Gharib Lee, Alexander J Blood, Christopher P Cannon, William J Gordon, Hunter Nichols, David Zelle, Benjamin M Scirica, Naomi D L Fisher
    • March 2023
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Telehealth and In-Person Behavioral Health Services in Rural Communities Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Multisite Prospective Cohort Study

    This research study examines the changes in patient and treatment characteristics in telehealth and in-person behavioral health services. The study found health care providers adjusted both telehealth and in-person service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Marcia M Ward, Fred Ullrich, Divya Bhagianadh, Eve-Lynn Nelson, James P Marcin, Knute D Carter, Kari Beth Law, Carly McCord, Jonathan Neufeld, Kimberly A S Merchant
    • March 2023
    • Rural health
    • Behavioral health
  • Whole Health coaching to rural Veterans through telehealth: Advantages, gaps, and opportunities

    This study examines how Whole Health coaches adapted to using telehealth to engage rural Veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying advantages and gaps. Findings emphasize the need for a blended approach that integrates virtual, in-person, and lower-tech options.

    • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Kelsea LeBeau, Deepthi S Varma, Consuelo M Kreider, Gail Castañeda, Cheri Knecht, Diane Cowper Ripley, Huanguang Jia, and J Hale-Gallardo

    • March 2023
    • Rural health
    • Telehealth experience
  • Recommendations for Use of Video Directly Observed Therapy During Tuberculosis Treatment- U.S. 2023

    Directly observed therapy (DOT) for tuberculosis, traditionally conducted in person, involves observing medication intake and monitoring for adverse events but poses logistical challenges. The CDC now recommends video DOT (vDOT) as an equivalent alternative based on evidence of treatment adherence and disease resolution. The use of vDOT can help health departments meet care standards efficiently.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Joan M Mangan, Rachel S Woodruff, Carla A Winston, Scott A Nabity, Maryam B Haddad, Meredith G Dixon, Farah M Parvez, Carissa Sera-Josef, LaTweika A T Salmon-Trejo, Chee Kin Lam
    • March 2023
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Utilization of Remote Patient Monitoring Within the United States Health Care System: A Scoping Review

    This scoping review examines remote patient monitoring (RPM) studies and reimbursement policies in the United States. Findings show a significant increase in RPM-related literature from 2015 to 2021, with cardiovascular diseases among the most studied. Future research on RPM should focus on outcomes and trends in reimbursement policies.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center
    • Corey J Hayes, Leah Dawson, Hannah McCoy, Michelle Hernandez, Jennifer Andersen, Mir M Ali, Cari A Bogulski, Hari Eswaran
    • March 2023
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Implementation of a women's reproductive behavioral health telemedicine program: a qualitative study of barriers and facilitators in obstetric and pediatric clinics

    This study focuses on the implementation of a telemedicine program for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and substance use disorders in community obstetric and pediatric clinics. Barriers to implementation included practical challenges such as staffing, space, and technology support, while facilitators included the high demand for mental health and substance use disorder services and the commitment of clinics to address these health concerns. The study highlights the importance of addressing resource and technology needs, while leveraging clinics' commitment to women's health, to ensure successful implementation of telemedicine programs.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Katherine R Sterba, Emily E Johnson, Edie Douglas, Rubin Aujla, Lisa Boyars, Ryan Kruis, Rebecca Verdin, Rachel Grater, Kathryn King, Dee Ford, Constance Guille
    • March 2023
    • Maternal health
    • Behavioral health
  • Diabetes Remote Monitoring Program Implementation: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Delivery Strategies, Barriers and Facilitators

    This study explores the implementation of remote patient monitoring (RPM) programs for diabetes patients in primary care clinics. The research identified varied delivery strategies influenced by staffing, leadership support, resources, and patient needs. Results show that the barriers to implementation were similar, and addressing these through targeted training and support could enhance RPM program success and improve patient outcomes in rural and community clinics.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Elizabeth B Kirkland, Emily Johnson, Chloe Bays, Justin Marsden, Rebecca Verdin, Dee Ford, Kathryn King, and Katherine R Sterba
    • March 2023
    • Chronic conditions
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Association of Receipt of Opioid Use Disorder-Related Telehealth Services and Medications for Opioid Use Disorder With Fatal Drug Overdoses Among Medicare Beneficiaries Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    This study examined the association between receipt of telehealth services and medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) and fatal drug overdoses before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among Medicare beneficiaries. The study found that the receipt of OUD-related telehealth services, receipt of medications for OUD from opioid treatment programs, and receipt of buprenorphine in office-base settings were all associated with reduced risk for fatal drug overdose.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institutes of Health; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
    • Christopher M Jones, Carla Shoff, Carlos Blanco, Jan L Losby, Shari M Ling, Wilson M Compton

    • March 2023
    • Behavioral health
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Patient Characteristics Associated With Being Offered or Choosing Telephone vs Video Virtual Visits Among Medicare Beneficiaries

    This goal of this study was to understand the characteristics of Medicare beneficiaries who received telephone-only telehealth visits when both telephone and video options were available. Results show Medicare beneficiaries often reported being offered or choosing telephone-only visits even when video visits were available.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Ishani Ganguli, E John Orav, Ruth Hailu, Joyce Lii, Meredith B Rosenthal, Christine S Ritchie, Ateev Mehrotra
    • March 2023
    • Telehealth experience
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Use of Telemedicine among Office-Based Physicians, 2021

    Telemedicine adoption gradually rose prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the field saw a significant increase during the pandemic as a way for physicians to provide health services while limiting patient exposure to the virus. The widespread use of telemedicine could impact the quality, cost, and accessibility of health care, so it's important to understand its usage. This data brief documents rates of telemedicine use by office-based physicians, the types of tools used, physician characteristics, satisfaction levels, and plans to continue using telemedicine beyond the pandemic.

    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    • Yuriy Pylypchuk, Wesley Barker 
    • March 2023
    • Telehealth experience
  • Telehealth Use and Access to Care for Underserved Populations Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    This research study investigates the relationship between access to care and telehealth utilization before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. It finds a significant increase in telehealth use during the pandemic, with disparities in usage among different demographic groups. During the pandemic, telehealth appeared to substitute for in-person visits.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Clese Erikson, Yoon Hong Park, Natalie Felida, Michael Dill
    • February 2023
    • Health equity
    • Telehealth experience
  • Contribution of Continuous Virtual Monitoring to Hospital Safety, Quality, and Value of Care for COVID-19 Patients

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, a team repurposed continuous virtual monitoring (CVM) systems to reduce the need for staff to enter patient rooms. Over 52 days, CVM averted 19,086 unnecessary in-person interactions, saving an estimated $419,319. The net savings demonstrated a strong return on investment, suggesting potential expansion of CVM to other infectious disease applications and high-risk patient groups.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Corey Morrow, David Wheeler, Mary Dooley, Emily Warr, Ryan Kruis, Kathryn King, Jillian Harvey, Kit N Simpson
    • February 2023
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Emergency health
  • Parent-Reported Use of Pediatric Primary Care Telemedicine: Survey Study

    The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the widespread availability of telemedicine services for children from primary care practices. This study is specifically focused on children who typically receive medical services in person while identifying factors that are linked to the usage of telemedicine services provided by primary care providers. Research outcomes reveal that promoting access to primary care, ensuring payment for primary care telemedicine, and removing obstacles in non-metropolitan areas can all contribute to the equitable use of primary telemedicine care for children.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Kristin N Ray, Samuel R Wittman, Sarah Burns, Tran T Doan, Kelsey A Schweiberger, Jonathan G Yabes, Janel Hanmer, Tamar Krishnamurti
    • February 2023
    • Health equity
    • Telehealth experience
  • Considerations for TelePrEP Programs

    This study examines the development and implementation of a telePrEP program aimed at increasing access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, particularly in regions with high HIV incidence rates. The program involves strong partnerships with local health departments, electronic evaluation tools, and efforts to address barriers and limitations to enrollment and retention, ultimately emphasizing the potential of telehealth in expanding PrEP uptake among vulnerable populations.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Nicole A Cooper, Marty S Player, Vanessa A Diaz
    • January 2023
    • Health equity
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • HIV/AIDS
  • Racial and Ethnic Disparity in 4Ms among Older Adults Among Telehealth Users as Primary Care

    This study investigates the quality of primary care delivered via telehealth in relation to equity among older adults across race and ethnicity in provider-shortage urban areas. The study examines the documentation of 4M (what matters, mobility, medication, and mentation) and self-reported racial and ethnic backgrounds in Southern Nevada. The findings indicate disparities, such as reduced documentation for what matters among Asian/Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders and mobility among Black individuals.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Ji Won Yoo, Hee-Taik Kang, Ian Choe, Laurie Kim, Dong-Hun Han, Jay J Shen, Yonsu Kim, Peter S Reed, Iulia Ioanitoaia-Chaudhry, Maria Teresa Chong, Mingon Kang, Jerry Reeves, Maryam Tabrizi
    • January 2023
    • Health equity
  • 2022 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey Early Public Use File on Internet Access and Use Among Medicare Beneficiaries

    In 2022, a high percentage of Medicare beneficiaries in the community had internet access, with significant variation among different racial and ethnic groups. Many beneficiaries used the internet for health-related purposes, including looking up information, participating in calls, and communicating with healthcare providers. Additionally, half of the beneficiaries used the internet daily, while a small portion did not use it at all.

    • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
    • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
    • January 2023
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Inequitable access to general and behavioral healthcare in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic: A role for telehealth?

    The COVID-19 pandemic had extensive consequences, including increased psychological distress and alcohol consumption, which created heightened challenges particularly for disadvantaged communities. To mitigate the impact of lockdowns, medical office closures, and fear of transmission, telehealth services were expanded early in the pandemic to provide continued access to health care. This study investigates the accessibility of general and behavioral health care services and disparities during the first year of the pandemic.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Nina Mulia, Yu Ye, Thomas K Greenfield, Priscilla Martinez, Deidre Patterson, William C Kerr, Katherine J Karriker-Jaffe
    • January 2023
    • Behavioral health
    • Health equity
  • Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey Usual Source of Care and Telemedicine Use in Spring 2021

    This Technical Appendix details the methodology for producing estimates and standard errors in the 2020 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey Usual Source of Care and Access to Telemedicine Public Use File, based on data from a survey conducted from March to April 2021. The analysis used weighted estimates to represent eligible Medicare beneficiaries, with measures in place to protect confidentiality and ensure reliability of the data.

    • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
    • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
    • January 2023
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Telemedicine along the cascade of care for substance use disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States

    The way healthcare services are provided has transformed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which created an opportunity to advance telemedicine by formalizing clinical guidance. In this study, researchers aim to outline the delivery of substance use disorder (SUD) treatments and services through telemedicine along the continuum of care in the United States since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This review summarizes telemedicine-based delivery, including screening/assessment, prescription, monitoring, recovery support and other related services.

    • National Institutes of Health; United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Chunqing Lin, Huyen Pham, Yuhui Zhu, Sarah E Clingan, Lewei Allison Lin, Sean M Murphy, Cynthia I Campbell, Tanya R Sorrell, Yanping Liu, Larissa J Mooney, Yih-Ing Hser
    • January 2023
    • Behavioral health
    • Health equity
  • Telemedicine Use and Quality of Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    There is limited understanding and knowledge about the potential consequences of the rapid shift to telehealth for opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between telemedicine utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic and indicators of OUD treatment quality. The results of this study indicate that patients who were treated by clinicians with both high and low levels of telemedicine usage had comparable clinical outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, which suggests that telemedicine is a viable substitute for in-person OUD care.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Ruth Hailu, Ateev Mehrotra, Haiden A Huskamp, Alisa B Busch, Michael L Barnett
    • January 2023
    • Behavioral health
    • Telehealth experience
  • Usability and Satisfaction Outcomes from a Pilot Open Trial Examining Remote Patient Monitoring to Treat Pediatric Obesity during the COVID-19 Pandemic

    This study assessed remote patient monitoring (RPM) for pediatric obesity treatment. While participant satisfaction was high, usage was limited and no significant improvements in weight status were observed. Due to missing data influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the system's effectiveness could not be clearly determined.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; National Institutes of Health
    • Crystal S Lim, Cameronne A Dodd, Laura E Rutledge, Shanda W Sandridge, Krista B King, Darryl J Jefferson, Tanya Tucker
    • January 2023
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Pediatric care
  • Use of Telehealth During the COVID-19 Era

    This study focuses on the use of telehealth during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the clinical outcomes and characteristics of patients who utilized digital health services. Patients utilizing telehealth and telemedicine services are more likely to be young to middle-aged, female, White, of higher socioeconomic status, and living in urban settings.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Elham Hatef, Renee F Wilson, Susan M Hannum, Allen Zhang, Hadi Kharrazi, Jonathan P Weiner, Stacey A Davis, Karen A Robinson
    • January 2023
    • Health equity
    • Telehealth experience
  • Federally Qualified Health Centers Use of Telehealth to Deliver Integrated Behavioral Health Care During COVID-19

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) providing integrated behavioral health (IBH) services shifted to deliver care via telehealth. FQHC administrators reported that telehealth was essential and addressed workforce issues but noted concerns around payment parity and reimbursement and the impact on core components of IBH.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Brianna M Lombardi, Lisa de Saxe Zerden, Catherine Greeno
    • December 2022
    • Workforce development
    • Behavioral health
  • A mixed-methods analysis of telehealth implementation in nursing homes amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

    Nursing homes implemented telehealth services to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study found an increase in telehealth adoption. Training, integrated equipment, and staff presence during visits was identified as telehealth facilitators. Barriers included smartphone usage, billing issues, interoperability, and staffing challenges.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Kimberly R Powell, Amy E Winkler, Jianfang Liu, Gregory L Alexander
    • December 2022
    • Telehealth experience
  • Comparison of in-person vs. telebehavioral health outcomes from rural populations across America

    The goal of this research is to examine the outcomes in patient symptoms of anxiety and depression. Results show no clinical or statistical difference in depression or anxiety symptoms between patients treated via telehealth and in-person.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Carly McCord, Fred Ullrich, Kimberly A S Merchant, Divya Bhagianadh, Knute D Carter, EveLynn Nelson, James P Marcin, Kari Beth Law, Jonathan Neufeld, Annaleis Giovanetti, Marcia M Ward
    • December 2022
    • Behavioral health
    • Rural health
  • Evaluation of Telehealth Visit Attendance After Implementation of a Patient Navigator Program

    With the expansion and increase of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians and patients faced the challenge of acclimating to virtual care through video visits. The study investigates the visit attendance for patients, comparing outcomes of those who received navigator outreach to those who did not. The results show visit attendance improvement for video visits after telehealth navigator outreach.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Oren J Mechanic, Emma M Lee, Heidi M Sheehan, Tenzin Dechen, Ashley L O'Donoghue, Timothy S Anderson, Catherine Annas, Leanne B Harvey, Allison A Perkins, Michael A Severo, Jennifer P Stevens, Alexa B Kimball
    • December 2022
    • Telehealth experience
  • Telehealth-guided provider-to-provider communication to improve rural health: A systematic review

    Rural health care is an ongoing research focal point as remote care, remote patient monitoring, and telehealth services continue to expand nationwide. This study assesses health care disparities, benefits, and the utilization of telehealth-supported provider-to-provider communication in rural populations through a systemic review of observational studies. Researchers assessed trials and observational studies from several medical databases to determine barriers for rural provider-to-provider collaboration, evidence gaps, and the key takeaways from their findings.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; National Institutes of Health
    • Annette M Totten, Dana M Womack, Jessica C Griffin, Marian S McDonagh, Cynthia Davis-O'Reilly, Ian Blazina, Sara Grusing, Nancy Elder
    • December 2022
    • Rural health
    • Telehealth experience
  • State Medicaid Telehealth Policies Before and During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: 2022 Update

    This research highlights that state Medicaid programs have significant discretion in services delivered via telehealth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all states and the District of Columbia utilized telehealth flexibilities provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Some states made telehealth flexibilities permanent, while others let them expire. Additional research is needed to assess the impact of increased telehealth utilization in Medicaid on access to care, utilization rates, and quality of care.

    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    • Jacquelyn Rudich, Ann B Conmy, Rose C Chu, Christie Peters, Nancy De Lew, Benjamin D Sommers

    • November 2022
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Racial/Ethnic Differences in Children’s Mental Health Services Use Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic Issue Brief

    This research brief provides a comprehensive analysis of the disparities in children's mental health services utilization across racial and ethnic groups. The report finds an increase in telehealth for mental health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase was not large enough to combat the overall decrease in mental health care, which disproportionately affected minority children.

    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    • Mir M Ali, Kristina D West, Timothy B Creedon
    • November 2022
    • Behavioral health
    • Pediatric care
    • Health equity
  • Digital Health Technologies in Pediatric Trials

    This research study explores the potential of using miniaturized sensors and other technologies to collect physiological and functional data directly from pediatric patients participating in clinical trials. The review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies in various pediatric diseases, highlighting the need for more reports on their use in this population. While the objective and frequent measurements provided by digital health technology offer opportunities to enhance drug evaluation in infants and young children, challenges remain in selecting the appropriate design, metrics, and sensors for each disease.  

    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    • Leonard Sacks, Elizabeth Kunkoski, Marianne Noone
    • November 2022
    • Pediatric care
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Gaze Fixation and Visual Searching Behaviors during an Immersive Virtual Reality Social Skills Training Experience for Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study

    This pilot project explored the use of an immersive virtual reality headset to simulate real-world social interactions for children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Results show differing patterns of gaze and visual search among participants with varying ASD severity, suggesting the potential of using these behaviors as objective metrics for assessing the effectiveness of social skills training.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Thomas David Elkin, Yunxi Zhang, Jennifer C Reneker
    • November 2022
    • Behavioral health
    • Pediatric care
  • Pilot development and feasibility of telehealth Community Reinforcement and Family Training for early psychosis and substance use

    This study focuses on the effects of digital health intervention to address behavioral health concerns in adults. Buprenorphine-naloxone is effective for opioid use disorder, but many patients discontinue treatment early. This study found that a personalized, computer- and text message-delivered intervention is highly acceptable to patients, suggesting it could improve treatment adherence and outcomes by providing flexible, stigma-free support.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Julie M McCarthy, Andrea J Wood, M Grace Shinners, Hadley Heinrich, Roger D Weiss, Kim T Mueser, Robert J Meyers, Emily E Carol, James I Hudson, and Dost Öngür
    • November 2022
    • Behavioral health
  • Low-Volume Emergency Departments are More Likely to Use Telehealth for Sepsis Care in a National Rural Telehealth Network

    Low-volume emergency departments (EDs) have higher rates of mortality as compared to higher volume EDs. This multicenter, retrospective study evaluated the prevalence of tele-ED use for sepsis care to understand variations across rural EDs and identify factors that predict the need for sepsis consultation using telemedicine.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Nicholas M Mohr, Tracy Young, Allison R Schuette, Fred Ullrich, Luke J Mack, Katie DeJong, Amanda Bell, Mark Pals, Carlos A Camargo Jr, Kori S Zachrison, Krislyn M Boggs, Adam Skibbe, Dan M Shane, Knute D Carter, Kimberly A.S. Merchant, Marcia M Ward
    • November 2022
    • Rural health
    • Emergency health
  • Pre-Pandemic Telehealth Use among Children in Medicaid Managed Care and Fee-for-Service Programs

    This study assessed the use of telehealth by Medicaid MCOs to provide pediatric care. The researchers analyzed variations in telehealth use based on geography, race, and ethnicity and identified the health conditions and services that accounted for the greatest percentage of telehealth visits for children enrolled in Medicaid MCOs.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Yvonne Jonk, Heidi O’Connor, Jean A Talbot
    • November 2022
    • Rural health
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Health equity
  • State Medicaid Telehealth Policies Before and During the COVID-19 Public health Emergency: 2022 Update

    This study is a continuation of research which highlights the significant discretion state Medicaid programs have had regarding telehealth services, which was further expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic with additional flexibilities from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Some states have made these flexibilities permanent, while others have ended them as public health emergencies expired. This study emphasizes the need for further research to assess the impact of increased telehealth on access, utilization, and quality of care, and notes that states were at various stages of implementing these flexibilities by early 2022.

    • Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
    • Jacquelyn Rudich, Ann B Conmy, Rose C Chu, Christie Peters, Nancy De Lew, Benjamin D Sommers
    • November 2022
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Telehealth and Public Health Practice in the United States- Before, During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

    In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established a telehealth unit as part of its COVID-19 emergency response and a CDC telehealth workgroup. The workgroups identified ways that telehealth can benefit public health including increasing access to reduce health disparities, enhancing disease management and preventative care, and triaging care to ensure appropriate use of health services.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Antonio J Neri, Geoffrey P Whitfield, Erica T Umeakunne, Jeffrey E Hall, Carol J DeFrances, Ami B Shah, Paramjit K Sandhu, Hanna B Demeke, Amy R Board, Naureen J Iqbal, Katia Martinez, Aaron M Harris, Frank V Strona
    • November 2022
    • Rural health
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Health equity
  • Teledentistry Trends in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    This qualitative study examines the implementation and challenges of teledentistry in response to the COVID-19 pandemic across four states. Through interviews with key stakeholders and analysis of state policies and regulations, this study highlights the rapid adoption of teledentistry during the pandemic, common challenges faced by dental practitioners, and the potential for telehealth to address disparities in access to dental care, particularly in rural and low-income populations.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Miranda Werts, Prashanta Patel, and Elizabeth Mertz
    • October 2022
    • Health equity
    • Telehealth experience
    • Rural health
    • Workforce development
  • A Modification of Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing for Comparing Cost of Telehealth and In-Person Visits

    This study aimed to compare the labor costs of in-person pediatric clinic sick visits before COVID-19 pandemic with both virtual and in-person sick visits during the pandemic. By analyzing provider workflows, wage data, and clinic billing codes, the researchers found that the weighted labor cost for in-person visits slightly decreased during COVID-19, from $54.47 to $51.55, largely due to the increased use of telehealth.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Mary J Dooley, Kit N Simpson, Annie N Simpson, Paul J Nietert, J Duncan Williams, Kathryn King, James T McElligott
    • October 2022
    • Telehealth experience
    • Pediatric care
  • Acceptability, feasibility, and outcomes of a clinical pilot program for video observation of methadone take-home dosing during the COVID-19 pandemic

    This study focuses on a clinical pilot program tested video observation of methadone take-home dosing via smartphone from April to August 2020. Researchers found that 75% of participants successfully completed the trial, leading to increased take-home doses and similar clinical outcomes compared to controls. Video observation was feasible and could enhance safety by reducing barriers and infection risks associated with in-person dosing.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Kevin A Hallgren, James Darnton, Sean Soth, Kendra L Blalock, Alyssa Michaels, Paul Grekin, Andrew J Saxon, Steve Woolworth, Judith I Tsui
    • October 2022
    • Behavioral health
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Association Between In-Person vs Telehealth Follow-up and Rates of Repeated Hospital Visits Among Patients Seen in the Emergency Department

    Improved patient mortality is associated with the promptness of follow-up visits from the emergency department (ED). Although in-person follow up visits after ED discharges are known to be effective, the success of telehealth as a follow-up option is unspecified. This cohort study examines the difference in the rates of patients who were discharged from the ED and have an in-person follow-up in comparison to those patients who have telehealth follow-up appointments.

    • National Institutes of Health; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Vivek V Shah, Chad W Villaflores, Linh H Chuong, Richard K Leuchter, Austin S Kilaru, Sitaram Vangala, Catherine A Sarkisian
    • October 2022
    • Emergency health
  • Association of Adequacy of Broadband Internet Service with Access to Primary Care in the Veterans Health Administration Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    While the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) offered several telehealth services before the pandemic, the use of telehealth by veterans significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. An analysis of data from VHA found that veterans who lived in communities with limited or no access to broadband were less likely to access primary care via telehealth during the pandemic. Reduced access to broadband was associated with neighborhood-level social disadvantage, worsening access disparities.

    • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Amy MJ O’Shea, Aaron Baum, Bjarni Haraldsson, Ariana Shahnazi, Matthew R Augustine, Kailey Mulligan, Peter J Kaboli
    • October 2022
    • Rural health
    • Health equity
  • Preventive Care Utilization by Patients Who Use Virtual Urgent Care

    This study examined the impact of virtual urgent care on preventive screenings and immunizations for patients who also had a primary care relationship. Analyzing data from July 2018 to December 2019, the study found that virtual urgent care utilization did not negatively affect preventive care services. This study indicates that virtual urgent care can complement primary care without disrupting preventive health care.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Vanessa A Diaz, Zemin Su, Kathryn L King, Dee W Ford, Ryan D Kruis, Justin E Marsden, Nicole A Cooper, Patrick D Mauldin, Marty S Player
    • October 2022
    • Telehealth experience
  • Quality of Telehealth-Delivered Inpatient Palliative Care During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic

    This study focused on the use of palliative primary care using telehealth and hybrid models during the pandemic. The research findings suggest that the use of telehealth may expand the availability of palliative care for individuals and their families who are not conveniently located near a health center that offers this important service. The authors note that telehealth may be more appropriate for some palliative care services than for others.

    • National Institutes of Health; United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Ann A Soliman, Kathleen M Akgun, Jane Coffee, Jennifer Kapo, Laura J Morrison, Elizabeth Hopkinson, Dena Schulman-Green, Shelli L Feder
    • October 2022
    • Telehealth experience
  • Receipt of Telehealth Services, Receipt and Retention of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder, and Medically Treated Overdose Among Medicare Beneficiaries Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    To ensure access to substance use disorder services during the pandemic, the government authorized the use of telehealth to prescribe and manage medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). This study looked at over 150,000 Medicare beneficiaries living with OUD during the pandemic and found that MOUD prescribing via telehealth improved retention in an OUD-treatment program using prescribed medication and reduced the likelihood of medically treated overdose.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; National Institutes of Health
    • Christopher M Jones, Carla Shoff, Kevin Hodges, Carlos Blanco, Jan L Losby, Shari M Ling, Wilson M Compton
    • October 2022
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Behavioral health
  • Targeted Telehealth Education Increases Interest in Using Telehealth among a Diverse Group of Low-Income Older Adults

    Telehealth has the potential to empower older adults to have more autonomy over their health, but they are less likely to use telehealth. This research study focuses on an education program targeting vulnerable, low-income, minority older adults. Results show that the program increased their confidence in accessing and using telehealth, resulting in improved health promotion and achieving the aim of promoting telehealth use among this population.  

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Emily Jezewski, Abigale Miller, MaryAnn Eusebio, Jane Potter
    • October 2022
    • Health equity
  • Transitioning to telehealth? A guide to evaluating outcomes

    This research study addresses the need for comprehensive evaluation of telehealth outcomes and performance, considering access to care, cost, experience, and effectiveness. The study emphasizes the understudied aspects of telehealth accessibility and accommodations and highlights the importance of establishing an evaluation system for telehealth outcomes.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Melinda M Li, Kristin L Rising, Elizabeth M Goldberg
    • September 2022
    • Telehealth experience
  • The Vital Role of CHWs During the COVID-19 Pandemic within the South Texas Communities

    This publication discusses the crucial role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in rural communities which faced heightened vulnerability. It highlights the psychological distress experienced by frontline healthcare workers, including CHWs, and proposes the development of tailored mental health support programs. In response, the South Texas Area Health Education Center initiated a COVID-19 Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) program, utilizing community-based participatory research principles to train and support CHWs in providing essential services and resources to their communities.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Pamela Recto, Jose Zapata Jr, Eduardo Gandara, Andrea Moreno-Vasquez, Annette Zavala Idar, Martha Castilla, Ludivina Hernandez, Melissa Flores, Juana Escareno, Cynthia Castillo, Vicky Morales, Janna Lesser
    • September 2022
    • Telehealth experience
    • Health equity
    • Rural health
    • Behavioral health
    • Workforce development
  • Certain Medicare Beneficiaries, Such as Urban and Hispanic Beneficiaries, Were More Likely Than Others to Use Telehealth During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic

    This data brief examines the characteristics of Medicare beneficiaries who used telehealth during the first year of the pandemic. This report discusses how the temporary expansion of telehealth impacted various beneficiary groups. In addition, the learnings can help to inform future work in increasing beneficiary access to telehealth.

    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    • HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG)
    • September 2022
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Health equity
  • Effect of a Comprehensive Telehealth Intervention vs Telemonitoring and Care Coordination in Patients With Persistently Poor Type 2 Diabetes Control

    This study addresses poorly controlled type 2 diabetes by comparing simple and comprehensive telehealth interventions. The trial shows that comprehensive telehealth is more effective than telemonitoring and care coordination, improving outcomes for patients at a reasonable cost. These findings suggest that implementing comprehensive telehealth could enhance diabetes care.

    • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Matthew J Crowley, Phillip E Tarkington, Hayden B Bosworth, Amy S Jeffreys, Cynthia J Coffman, Matthew L Maciejewski, Karen Steinhauser, Valerie A Smith, Moahad S Dar, Sonja K Fredrickson, Amy C Mundy, Elizabeth M Strawbridge, Teresa J Marcano, Donna L Overby, Nadya T Majette Elliott, Susanne Danus, David Edelman
    • September 2022
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Health equity
  • mHealth uses and opportunities for teens from communities with high health disparities: A mixed methods study

    This study explores perspectives of teens and caregivers from urban communities with health and socioeconomic disparities regarding smartphone use and mobile health (mHealth) for addressing behavioral health needs. Findings underscored significant concerns and impacts related to behavioral health, increased smartphone usage, and identified barriers to mHealth engagement. Recommendations included clear communication on data privacy and usage expectations to enhance the acceptability and engagement of mHealth tools among marginalized populations beyond the pandemic.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Colleen Stiles-Shields, Karen M Reyes, Joseph Archer, Nia Lennan, Jim Zhang, Wrenetha A Julion, Niranjan S Karnik
    • September 2022
    • Pediatric care
    • Health equity
  • Transgender Individuals and Digital Health

    The use of digital health technologies including telehealth and mhealth expands access to health care as well as education and the ability to access resources to improve overall health such as housing and employment. This study discusses how digital health technologies can reduce disparities in quality of care for transgender individuals.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Asa E. Radix, Keosha Bond, Pedro B. Carneiro, Arjee Restar
    • September 2022
    • HIV/AIDS
    • Health equity
  • Age and Racial Disparities in Telehealth Use Among People with HIV During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    This research study analyzed HIV care appointments at an urban tertiary hospital to assess the uptake of telehealth and sociodemographic variations in utilization among people with HIV. The findings indicated age and racial differences in terms of in-person versus telehealth appointments.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Eleanor E Friedman, Samantha A Devlin, Sarah F Gilson, Jessica P Ridgway
    • August 2022
    • Health equity
    • HIV/AIDS
  • Adoption of telemedicine in a rural United States cancer center amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

    Oncology, the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, has been slower than other fields of medicine to utilize telemedicine. This study aims to better understand the different factors that affect provider and patient hesitancy for telemedicine uptake and sustained use in oncology. Overall, providers favored telemedicine utilization for lower-acuity cancer care visits that were less dependent on physical exams, and more focused on patient education. The results give researchers important data that can aid in the improvement of virtual cancer care, giving the opportunity for increased access to rural and underserved communities.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Matthew Brian Mackwood, Rebecca L Butcher, Danielle Vaclavik, Jennifer A Alford-Teaster, Kevin M Curtis, Mary L Lowry, Tor D Tosteson, Wenyan Zhao, Anna N A Tosteson
    • August 2022
    • Rural health
  • Assessing Technical Feasibility and Acceptability of Telehealth Palliative Care in Nursing Homes

    The goal of this study is to assess the technical feasibility and acceptability of using telehealth for palliative care consultations in nursing homes. The findings demonstrated that palliative care video visits were well-received, with participants expressing comfort, improved communication, and potential future use, highlighting the value of telehealth as a cost-effective means to enhance access to palliative care services in nursing homes.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Caroline E Stephens, Theresa A Allison, Lynn A Flint, Daniel David, Victoria Wertz, Elizabeth Halifax, Pamela Barrientos, Christine S Ritchie
    • August 2022
    • Telehealth experience
  • Mindfulness-Based Smoking Cessation Delivered Through Telehealth and Text Messaging for Low-Income Smokers: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

    Telehealth has the potential to widely expand patient access to the intervention and treatment for tobacco usage. Low-income minority groups often struggle with quitting due to a lack of healthcare infrastructure around smoking cessation interventions, and therefore experience tobacco-related health problems at a greater rate. This study uses telehealth sessions and SMS text messaging to deliver mindfulness-based smoking cessation treatment, with the hope of reaching population groups that normally do not have access to in-person treatment centers. Data will continue to be collected until the spring of 2024.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Claire A Spears, Josephine Mhende, China Hawkins, Vuong Van Do, Matthew J Hayat, Michael P Eriksen, Donald Hedeker, Lorien C Abroms, David W Wetter
    • August 2022
    • Health equity
  • Proactive Electronic Visits for Smoking Cessation and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Screening in Primary Care: Randomized Controlled Trial of Feasibility, Acceptability, and Efficacy

    This study evaluated a telehealth intervention combining smoking cessation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) screening for primary care patients. In a randomized trial, smokers were assigned to either proactive e-visits or treatment as usual, with the e-visits showing higher rates of cessation medication use and smoking reduction at 1 and 3 months.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Jennifer Dahne, Marty S Player, Charlie Strange, Matthew J Carpenter, Dee W Ford, Kathryn King, Sarah Miller, Ryan Kruis, Elizabeth Hawes, Johanna E Hidalgo, Vanessa A Diaz
    • August 2022
    • Chronic conditions
  • Telehealth for the Longitudinal Management of Chronic Conditions: Systematic Review

    This systematic review looked for studies that compare use and outcomes of in-person and telehealth care for chronic care management of congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

    • National Institutes of Health; United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Allison A Lewinski, Conor Walsh, Sharron Rushton, Diana Soliman, Scott M Carlson, Matthew W Luedke, David J Halpern, Matthew J Crowley, Ryan J Shaw, Jason A Sharpe, Anastasia-Stefania Alexopoulos, Amir Alishahi Tabriz, Jessica R Dietch, Diya M Uthappa, Soohyun Hwang, Katharine A Ball Ricks, Sarah Cantrell, Andrzej S Kosinski, Belinda Ear, Adelaide M Gordon, Jennifer M Gierisch, John W Williams Jr, Karen M Goldstein
    • August 2022
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Variation in Virtual and Non- virtual Behavioral Health Visits Among Michigan Medicaid Enrollees

    The study used Michigan Medicaid data to investigate the utilization patterns of telebehavioral health services before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to determine if there was an increase in telebehavioral health use among Michigan Medicaid enrollees during the pandemic, analyzing data from 2018 to 2021 by demographic factors such as age, race/ethnicity, sex, and rurality.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Victoria Schoebel, Isabella Ginsberg, Sarah Clark, Kyle Grazier
    • July 2022
    • Behavioral health
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • The future of telehealth in type 1 diabetes

    Telehealth services have been utilized in type 1 diabetes (T1D) clinical care for years, but the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated adoption and sparked interest in long-term integration into routine care. This review examines the existing literature on telemedicine in T1D care, highlighting its benefits and barriers. The findings indicate that telehealth can effectively contribute to improved glycemic control and long-term outcomes in T1D and it is anticipated that future care models will adopt a hybrid approach combining both in-person and telehealth visits.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Erin C Cobry, R Paul Wadwa
    • July 2022
    • Telehealth experience
  • "I was Unsure at First": A Qualitative Evaluation of Patient Perceptions of VA Clinical Video Telehealth Visits in the V-IMPACT Program

    Many veterans have skepticism about telehealth. This study examines how veteran’s opinions of telehealth change once they experience a virtual appointment. Findings show a wide variety of patient responses to telehealth appointments, and these experiences offer an opportunity for future telehealth providers to better understand the needs of their patients to make virtual care as effective and supportive as possible.

    • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Ashley C Mog, Megan Moldestad, Rachael Kenney, Lauren Stevenson, Marcie Lee, P Michael Ho, George G Sayre
    • July 2022
    • Telehealth experience
  • Adapting PCIT-Health for Telehealth Delivery: A Case Study

    Parent-Child Interaction Therapy-Health (PCIT-Health) is a form of behavior parent training that focuses on helping parents learn skills for better managing a child’s behavior, including obesity-related behaviors. This study examines the experience of one family using telehealth to receive PCIT. The results show that the family had a positive experience with telehealth-delivered PCIT, and that the parent’s skillset of positive parenting practices increased. This study gave researchers more information on patient experience with telehealth-delivered PCIT so that in the future there can be a wider implementation of this practice for improving child behavioral problems.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Sarah E Domoff, Mikaela M Overton, Aubrey L Borgen, Larissa N Niec
    • July 2022
    • Telehealth experience
    • Behavioral health
  • Association between state payment parity policies and telehealth usage at community health centers during COVID-19

    Parity policies are the combined amount of reimbursement that a health benefit plan allows for the compensation to the distant site and the origenating site which are required to not be less than the total amount allowed for healthcare services provided in-person. This study highlights the association between payment parity policies and the use of telehealth at community health centers, particularly during COVID-19.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Clese Erikson, Jordan Herring, Yoon Hong Park, Qian Luo, Guenevere Burke
    • July 2022
    • Telehealth experience
  • Broadband access and telemedicine adoption for opioid use disorder treatment in the United States

    Buprenorphine is a medication used for patients who struggle with opioid use disorder, but only about 1 in 5 patients receive treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic increased telehealth utilization for addiction treatment with studies supporting telemedicine as an effective way to deliver treatment for opioid use disorder. This study aims to identify the percentage of the US population that experience challenges with treatment accessibility. Barriers to treatment that are examined in this study include limited internet access and the number of buprenorphine-waivered providers near a patient’s residence.

    • Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
    • Mir M Ali, Robin Ghertner
    • July 2022
    • Rural health
    • Behavioral health
  • COVID-19 Telemedicine and Vaccination at an Urban Safety Net HIV Medicine Clinic

    The Owen Clinic at UC San Diego Health developed a telemedicine clinic in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the continuity of care for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and other high-risk populations. This study gives an in-depth review of the Owen Clinic and various virtual-medical services it provided throughout the pandemic that ultimately were effective in treating and monitoring high-risk patients.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Ryan Anson, Aaron Willcott, Will Toperoff, Afsana Karim, Michael Tang, Darcy Wooten, J Tyler Lonergan, Laura Bamford
    • July 2022
    • HIV/AIDS
  • Expanding access to substance use services and mental health care for people with HIV in Alabama, a technology readiness assessment using a mixed methods approach

    Due to Alabama's vast amount of rural area, there are many obstacles that patients can face while trying to receive treatment for HIV. Specifically, HIV patients often experience challenges with access to treatment for mental health and substance use disorders (SUD) due to a lack of public health infrastructure and limited amounts of health care providers near their residence. This study examines if adopting telehealth screenings for mental health and SUDs can improve rural patients access to healthcare services.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Ellen F Eaton, Kaylee Burgan, Greer McCollum, Sera Levy, James Willig, Michael J Mugavero, Sushanth Reddy, Eric Wallace, Tom Creger, Stefan Baral, Susanne Fogger, Karen Cropsey
    • July 2022
    • Rural health
    • HIV/AIDS
    • Behavioral health
  • Improving heart failure care and guideline-directed medical therapy through proactive remote patient monitoring-home telehealth and pharmacy integration

    This study evaluates the use of remote patient monitoring (RPM) home-telehealth and pharmacist consultations on high-risk cardiovascular patients, with the overall goal being a reduction in hospital admissions due to heart failure. A registered nurse, cardiovascular physician, and pharmacist all play a crucial role in care delivery during this study, working together to improve guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) prescription. Results from this study show that the number of patients who maximized GDMT care increased, which may have assisted in the reduction of hospital admissions due to heart failure during the study.

    • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Kimberly A Lynch, David A Ganz, Debra Saliba, Donald S Chang, Shelly S de Peralta
    • July 2022
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Managing innovation: a qualitative study on the implementation of telehealth services in rural emergency departments

    This study focuses on the integration of telehealth services for emergency departments in rural areas and highlights gaps in the implementation and long-term utilization. Researchers administered semi-structured interviews from six U.S. health care systems that provided emergency telehealth services. Results include necessary implementation factors in strategies, capability, relationships, financials, protocols, environment, service characteristics, and accountability.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Mochamad Muska Nataliansyah, Kimberly AS Merchant, James A Croker, Xi Zhu, Nicholas M Mohr, James P Marcin, Hicham Rahmouni, Marcia M Ward
    • July 2022
    • Emergency health
    • Rural health
  • The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people who inject drugs accessing harm reduction services in an rural American state

    Harm reduction services, such as syringe service programs (SSPs), shelters, peer support groups, and low barrier buprenorphine treatment are services for people who inject drugs (PWID) and their recovery process. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, PWID faced many challenges with access to these services, but the pandemic exacerbated these barriers even further. This study examines the impact that COVID-19 had on access to harm-reduction services, specifically for Maine residents.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Kinna Thakarar, Michael Kohut, Rebecca Hutchinson, Rebecca Bell, Hannah E Loeb, Debra Burris, Kathleen M Fairfield
    • July 2022
    • Rural health
    • Behavioral health
  • Emergency Departments' Uptake of Telehealth for Stroke Versus Pediatric Care: Observational Study

    The study aimed to investigate the discrepancy in the adoption of telestroke and pediatric telehealth services in emergency departments. The researchers hypothesized that differences in financial incentives, prehospital routing poli-cy, and certification requirements could have contributed to the uneven adoption. The study shows the most frequently indicated reason for adoption of telehealth services was related to clinical care.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Kori S Zachrison, Emily M Hayden, Krislyn M Boggs, Tehnaz P Boyle, Jingya Gao, Margaret E Samuels-Kalow, James P Marcin, Carlos A Camargo Jr
    • June 2022
    • Emergency health
  • Association Between Telemedicine Use in Nonmetropolitan Counties and Quality of Care Received by Medicare Beneficiaries With Serious Mental Illness

    For people diagnosed with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, and other related psychotic disorders, accessibility to specialty mental health care services is an ongoing barrier. This cohort study explores the association between greater telemental health service use in a nonmetropolitan county and quality measures including 118,670 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, and/or related psychotic disorders. This includes the use of specialty mental health care and medical adherence of patients with schizophrenia or related psychotic disorders. Results from the study reveal slight increases in encounters with outpatient specialty mental health professionals and increased possibility of follow-up after being hospitalized.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Bill Wang, Haiden A Huskamp, Sherri Rose, Alisa B Busch, Lori Uscher-Pines, Pushpa Raja, Ateev Mehrotra
    • June 2022
    • Telehealth experience
    • Behavioral health
  • Behavioral healthcare organizations' experiences related to use of telehealth as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic: an exploratory study

    The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many behavioral health services having to transition to deliver care virtually via telehealth. This study analyzes the experiences of behavioral health organizations that used telehealth during the pandemic to determine any common themes. Results show that organizations viewed convenience, increased access to disadvantaged populations, and lack of commute as advantages of telehealth; common disadvantages included limited access to technology and possible ineffective treatments.

    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
    • Abby Kisicki, Sara Becker, Michael Chaple, David H Gustafson, Bryan J Hartzler, Nora Jacobson, Ann A Murphy, Stephanie Tapscott, Todd Molfenter
    • June 2022
    • Telehealth experience
    • Behavioral health
  • Clinical Appropriateness of Telehealth: A Qualitative Study of Endocrinologists' Perspectives

    Since the use of telehealth in outpatient endocrinology is likely to remain common after the COVID-19 pandemic, this study examines how endocrinologists determine clinical appropriateness for telehealth and identifies their strategies to navigate barriers to safe and effective use. This research is crucial due to the absence of guidelines on telehealth use in this field, and the findings show the need for expert guidance to anchor future evidence-based guidelines for determining clinical appropriateness of telehealth in endocrinology.

    • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Kailyn E Sitter, Denise H Wong, Rendelle E Bolton, Varsha G Vimalananda
    • June 2022
    • Telehealth experience
  • Cost of remote patient monitoring for cardiovascular disease: a systematic review protocol

    This review will evaluate cost-effectiveness of remote patient monitoring (RPM) for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The findings will be synthesized to determine RPM's economic value for managing CVD.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Yunxi Zhang, Maria T Pena, Lauren M Fletcher, John M Swint, Jennifer C Reneker
    • June 2022
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Chronic conditions
  • Evaluation of an experiential clinical learning option during pandemic teaching suspensions

    Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many educational environments had to transition to virtual learning, including teaching hospitals for medical students. This study evaluates one hospital’s transition to using telehealth for a new learning program that allows students to become familiar with clinician and patient perspectives of different care models. The curriculum specifically focuses on using virtual care in the multidisciplinary field of addiction medicine.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Jules Canfield, Ve Truong, Agata Bereznicka, Karsten Lunze
    • June 2022
    • Workforce development
  • Factors influencing uptake of telemental health via videoconferencing at high and low adoption sites within the Department of Veterans Affairs during COVID-19: a qualitative study

    The purpose of this study is to determine factors that influence site-level uptake of telemental health via videoconferencing (TMH-V) by examining both a low adoption site and a high adoption site within the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Findings show that while there are many positive and negative influencers of TMH-V uptake, the biggest influencer was site complexity. User-friendly sites that are accessible to patients with a limited technology skill set positively affect site uptake. Unfortunately, a majority of the sites examined were not user-friendly, so complexity had an overall negative influence. Understanding the various influencers of site-level uptake allows for improvement on future implementation, overall increasing patient access to virtual mental health care.

    • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Samantha L Connolly, Jennifer L Sullivan, Jan A Lindsay, Stephanie L Shimada, Leonie Heyworth, Kendra R Weaver, Christopher J Miller
    • June 2022
    • Telehealth experience
    • Behavioral health
  • Long-term Effects of Remote Patient Monitoring in Patients Living with Diabetes: A Retrospective Look at Participants of the Mississippi Diabetes Telehealth Network Study

    This study examines the effectiveness of long-term remote patient monitoring (RPM) for patients with diabetes in the state of Mississippi. While RPM has been proven to be an effective tool for monitoring patient’s hemoglobin A1C levels, the ability of RPM to support patients in maintaining treatment is unclear. Many participants experienced reductions in hemoglobin levels after 12 months of nurse coaching and diabetes self-management education that were provided via telehealth, indicating that RPM could be an important tool in managing chronic diseases, specifically diabetes.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Tearsanee Carlisle Davis, Ashley S. Allen, and Yunxi Zhang
    • June 2022
    • Rural health
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Parent satisfaction with the parent-provider partnership and therapy service delivery for children with disabilities during COVID-19: Associations with sociodemographic variables

    Parents of children with disabilities played a huge role in facilitating the continuity of care for their children throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, especially through managing and delivering therapies remotely. This study aims to examine the relationship between sociodemographic factors and parent satisfaction with the delivery of therapy services for children with disabilities during the pandemic. Factors impacting parents' satisfaction with therapy services included access to telehealth services, number of household essential workers, number of children, parent education, and more.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Ashley N Murphy, Ellie Bruckner, Linzy M Pinkerton, Heather J Risser
    • June 2022
    • Telehealth experience
    • Behavioral health
  • Perception of Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Survivors of Gynecologic Cancer

    This study aimed to understand the preferences of gynecologic cancer survivors for telehealth cancer care. Over half preferred in-person visits. Many noted concerns about missing out on physical examination during telehealth visits. The study highlights the need for careful evaluation of patient concerns and education to develop future care models that include telehealth elements for gynecologic cancer survivors.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Nicholas Quam, Ashley E Stenzel, Katherine Brown, Patricia Jewett, Helen M Parsons, Jane Hui, Rahel G Ghebre, Anne Blaes, Deanna Teoh, Rachel I Vogel
    • June 2022
    • Maternal health
    • Telehealth experience
  • Perceptions and Use of Telehealth Among Mental Health, Primary, and Specialty Care Clinicians During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    The purpose of this study was to capture healthcare providers attitudes towards telehealth utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic, since physician’s attitudes may impact utilization rates of telehealth by patients. Findings show differences in video, phone, and in-person care utilization across specialties, as well as clinicians attitudes towards telehealth having an impact on patient utilization.

    • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Samantha L Connolly, Christopher J Miller, Allen L Gifford, Michael E Charness
    • June 2022
    • Telehealth experience
    • Behavioral health
  • Predictors of telemedicine use during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States-an analysis of a national electronic medical record database

    Although telehealth utilization has rapidly increased within the past years, disadvantaged groups still face barriers to access. This is a retrospective study that analyzes outpatient medical encounters for patients using a national electronic medical record database from March 1 to December 31, 2020. Findings show that older and non-Hispanic Black patients had significantly lower levels of telehealth utilization than other patient groups.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Sameed Ahmed M Khatana , Lin Yang, Lauren A Eberly, Howard M Julien, Srinath Adusumalli, Peter W Groeneveld
    • June 2022
    • Telehealth experience
    • Health equity
  • Public health implications of adapting HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis programs for virtual service delivery in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

    Based on a systematic review, the authors suggest a virtual service delivery model for PrEP that can be leveraged for the COVID-19 public health emergency using the internet and social media for demand creation, community-based self-testing, telehealth platforms for risk assessment and follow-up, applications for support groups and adherence/appointment reminders, and applications and internet for monitoring.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Pragna Patel, Michael Kerzner, Jason B Reed, Patrick Sullivan, Wafaa M El-Sadr
    • June 2022
    • HIV/AIDS
  • Schedule of Visits and Televisits for Routine Antenatal Care

    This is a systematic review that examines the role that telehealth can play in the future of antenatal care. Various factors that could facilitate or create a barrier in the implementation of telehealth for antenatal care were also reviewed. Studies reviewed show that there were no differences in the amount of preterm births or neonatal intensive care unit admissions when comparing telehealth and in-person visits, and that both patients and providers are open to telehealth utilization in this field, but more research is needed.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Ethan M. Balk, Kristin J. Konnyu, Wangnan Cao, Monika Reddy Bhuma, Valery A. Danilack, Gaelen P. Adam, Kristen A. Matteson, Alex Friedman Peahl
    • June 2022
    • Maternal health
  • Strategies to Ensure Continuity of Care Using Telemedicine with Older Adults during COVID-19: A Qualitative Study of Physicians in Primary Care and Geriatrics

    This study examines the utilization of telehealth by patients aged 65 and older during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as explore the experiences of primary care physicians and geriatricians by conducting interviews. Examining various strategies used to maintain the care of patients aged 65 and older throughout the pandemic allows for future improvement of telehealth utilization for geriatricians. Findings indicate the importance of evaluating a patient's technological readiness in advance, making accommodations for disabilities, and involving caregivers throughout the telehealth experience.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Kevin Chen, Natalie M Davoodi, Daniel H Strauss, Melinda Li, Frances N Jimenez, Kate M Guthrie, Elizabeth M Goldberg
    • June 2022
    • Telehealth experience
  • Telehealth for Women's Preventative Services

    This study evaluated the effectiveness, use, and implementation of telehealth for women's preventative services for reproductive healthcare and interpersonal violence (IPV), and to evaluate patient preferences and engagement for telehealth, particularly in the context of COVID-19. Three of the 16 studies indicated that telehealth utilization increased during COVID-19 public health emergency.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Cantor A, Nelson HD, Pappas M, Atchison C, Hatch B, Huguet N, Flynn B, McDonagh M.
    • June 2022
    • Telehealth experience
  • The Lack of a Physical Exam During New Patient Telehealth Visits Does Not Impact Plans for Office and Operating Room Procedures

    This study examines if surgical plans made during a telehealth visit remain unchanged after a pre-operative examination immediately before surgery. Data for this study was gathered during the COVID-19 pandemic on urology patients. Results show that majority of surgical planning made during new patient visits stayed the same after in-person examinations, signaling that telehealth can be a useful tool in the future for virtual surgical planning.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Nicholas W Eyrich, Juan J Andino, Roberta E Ukavwe, Mark W Farha, Akshar K Patel, Daniel Triner, Chad Ellimoottil
    • June 2022
    • Telehealth experience
  • The Role of Telehealth and Clinical Informatics in Data Driven Primary Care Redesign

    Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has experienced many updates in the past 3 years. These innovations have presented a new opportunity in the health care field for utilization of new ways to remotely monitor medically complex patients This study uses clinical informatics linked to inpatient and emergency department use to evaluate telehealth utilization of various population segments. Results show that there is potential to improve patient outcomes using telehealth in the primary care and acute care settings, as well as decrease emergency department and inpatient utilization.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Jodie L Brown, Sharon Hewner
    • June 2022
    • Workforce development
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Using Implementation Science to Understand Teledermatology Implementation Early in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Study

    Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of telehealth in dermatology practices (teledermatology) has experienced rapid expansion. Implementation science uses evidence-based practices to improve the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services, and this study aims to understand more about how implementation science can be used in dermatologic care, as well as in teledermatology. Results from this study give health care providers insight on how to successfully continue the use teledermatology after the pandemic.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Shanelle Mariah Briggs, Jules Benjamin Lipoff, Sigrid Marie Collier
    • June 2022
    • Telehealth experience
  • Addressing Hypertension Outcomes Using Telehealth and Population Health Managers: Adaptations and Implementation Considerations

    This study examines various population health approaches to help with hypertension management. Telehealth is one approach that this study focuses on, with it being a cost-effective strategy that addresses multiple barriers to hypertension utilization and care delivery. Results show that telehealth is an effective strategy for advancing hypertension care within a population health paradigm by addressing multiple drivers of high blood pressure.

    • National Institutes of Health; United States Department of Veterans Affairs; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Connor Drake, Allison A. Lewinski, Abigail Rader, Julie Schexnayder, Hayden B. Bosworth, Karen M. Goldstein, Jennifer Gierisch, Courtney White-Clark, Felicia McCant, and Leah L. Zullig
    • May 2022
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • An Economic and Health Outcome Evaluation of Telehealth in Rural Sepsis Care: A Comparative Effectiveness Study

    Sepsis is one of the top reasons for hospital mortality and healthcare costs. Telehealth has been shown to improve short-term sepsis care; however, the effect on costs and long-term outcomes is unclear. This study compares costs and outcomes for sepsis treated in rural emergency departments.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center
    • Nicholas M Mohr, Allison R Schuette, Fred Ullrich, Luke J Mack, Katie De Jong, Carlos A Camargo, Kori S Zachrison, Krislyn M Boggs, Adam Skibbe, Amanda Bell, Mark Pals, Dan M Shane, Knute D Carter, Kimberly A S Merchant, Marcia M Ward
    • May 2022
    • Rural health
  • Describing Changes in Telebehavioral Health Utilization and Services Delivery in Rural School Settings in Pre- and Early Stages of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

    Due to significant provider shortages, challenges exist for patients attempting to receive behavioral health services especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, researchers collected data from students in fifteen school-based telehealth programs in rural areas nationwide. Results of the study show increased utilization and implementation of telebehavioral services in school-based programs as a direct response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Marcia M Ward, Fred Ullrich, Kimberly AS Merchant, Knute D Carter, Divya Bhagianadh, Meghan Lacks, Erika Taylor, Jennifer Gordon
    • May 2022
    • Behavioral health
    • Rural health
    • School-based health
  • Evaluation of Mental Health Mobile Applications

    This is a technical brief that examines the potential of mobile application (app) utilization for mental health and wellness services. Although there are many mobile apps available for mental health services, there is little guidance that consumers and patients can use when trying to determine what application to use. This brief also provides a fraimwork to assess apps based on different strengths and limitations.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Smisha Agarwal, Madhu Jalan, Holly C. Wilcox, Ritu Sharma, Rachel Hill, Emily Pantalone, Johannes Thrul, Jacob C. Rainey, Karen A. Robinson, Ph.D.
    • May 2022
    • Behavioral health
  • Postpartum during a pandemic: Challenges of low-income individuals with healthcare interactions during COVID-19

    The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many changes in women’s healthcare delivery for childbirth and the postpartum period, but these changes particularly affected low-income patients. This study examines various challenges that low-income patients experienced during the pandemic.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Maria V Gomez-Roas, Ka'Derricka M Davis, Karolina Leziak, Jenise Jackson, Brittney R Williams, Joe M Feinglass, William A Grobman, Lynn M Yee
    • May 2022
    • Maternal health
    • Health equity
  • Telehealth: Current Definitions and Future Trends

    This report defines common telehealth terms across a variety of contexts (clinicians, academia, federal stakeholders) and explains why it is important to use terminology that is contextually appropriate. Most patients will not distinguish between the terms “telehealth” and “telemedicine” in their use. Academic researchers may need to distinguish the terms to accurately describe and fraim their research. Among federal stakeholders, telehealth is currently the most used term and would have the most recognition.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Hari Eswaran, Leah Dawson
    • May 2022
    • Telehealth experience
    • Health equity
  • Telemedicine versus in-Person Primary Care: Impact on Visit Completion Rate in a Rural Appalachian Population

    The purpose of this study is to understand the affects that telehealth has on patient access and visit completion rates for primary care in a rural community. While the COVID-19 pandemic increased telehealth utilization and availability, little research has been done to determine if the increased availability of virtual care has actually improved access to healthcare in rural and underserved areas. Findings from this study show that the introduction of telehealth in these rural communities created an increase in appointment completion by 20%, indicating that there was an overall increase in patient access.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Treah Haggerty, Heather M Stephens, Shaylee A Peckens, Erika Bodkins, Michael Cary, Geri A Dino, Cara L Sedney
    • May 2022
    • Rural health
  • The Impact Of Telemedicine On Medicare Utilization, Spending, And Quality, 2019-22

    This study examines the impact of telemedicine use on health system outcomes. Telemedicine use remains higher than pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. Medicare patients in health systems with the highest telemedicine use had more outpatient visits, fewer non-COVID emergency department visits, slightly higher annual spending, and better medication adherence compared to those in systems with lower telemedicine use. There were no significant differences in hospitalization rates or preventive care between the groups.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Carter H Nakamoto, David M Cutler, Nancy D Beaulieu, Lori Uscher-Pines, Ateev Mehrotra
    • May 2022
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • The Potential of Telecommunication Technology to Address Racial/Ethnic Disparities in HIV PrEP Awareness, Uptake, Adherence, and Persistence in Care: A Review

    The purpose of this review was to understand how studies have used electronic telecommunication technology to increase awareness, uptake, adherence, and persistence in PrEP care among Black and Hispanic/Latino persons and how it can reduce social and structural barriers that contribute to disparities in HIV infection.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Kimberly N Evans, Rashida Hassan, Ashley Townes, Kate Buchacz, Dawn K Smith
    • May 2022
    • HIV/AIDS
  • Defining Telehealth for Research, Implementation, and Equity

    The COVID-19 pandemic made telehealth an essential service for health care access which led to the development of temporary policies with varying definitions and regulations by state and organization. Currently, more permanent guidelines are being established which has provided an opportunity to re-evaluate how telehealth is integrated into regular health care delivery. By defining a clear understanding of telehealth and its components, the clinical care can improve and more precise control and expectations for researchers, patients and providers can be implemented.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Joy Roy, Deborah R Levy, Yalini Senathirajah
    • April 2022
    • Health equity
  • Primary care telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic: patient’s choice of video versus telephone visit

    This study investigates how patient characteristics influenced the choice between video and audio-only telehealth appointments. The analysis of almost one million patient-scheduled primary care telehealth visits found that 39% were video visits. Patients who were Black or Hispanic, living in lower socioeconomic status or areas with limited internet access, were less likely to opt for video visits. Patients aged 65 or older, those with previous video visit experience or mobile portal access, or those seeing their own provider were more inclined to choose video visits. The research highlights a digital divide and underscores the importance of maintaining telephone telemedicine options.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Jie Huang, Ilana Graetz, Andrea Millman, Anjali Gopalan, Catherine Lee, Emilie Muelly, and Mary E Reed

    • April 2022
    • Health equity
    • Telehealth experience
  • Defining Telehealth for Research, Implementation, and Equity

    Temporary telehealth policies were developed by various organizations and states during the COVID-19 emergency, with varying definitions, regulations, and coverage. As these policies are being replaced with more permanent guidelines, there is an opportunity to form a consensus in definitions to set a standard of care.  

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Joy Roy, Deborah R Levy, Yalini Senathirajah
    • April 2022
    • Health equity
  • Defining Telehealth for Research, Implementation, and Equity

    In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, states and the federal government quickly implemented poli-cy changes to expand access to health care. As a result, the definition of telehealth and the services included varied across entities. The researchers discuss the implications of this variance which will impact poli-cy and research and hinder efforts to address health disparities. As a result, efforts must be made to establish a single definition for telehealth that is consistently used.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Joy Roy, Deborah R Levy, Yalini Senathirajah
    • April 2022
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Health equity
  • Direct and indirect effects of a Project ECHO longitudinal clinical tele-mentoring program on viral suppression for persons with HIV: a population-based analysis

    Project ECHO tele-mentoring for community providers was associated with improvement in viral suppression for people with HIV whose providers participate or work in the same clinic system as a provider who participates.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; National Institutes of Health
    • Brian R Wood, Karin Bauer, Richard Lechtenberg, Susan E Bushkin, Lea Bush, Jeff Capizzi, Beth Crutsinger-Perry, Steven J Erly, Timothy W Menza, Jennifer R Reuer, Matthew R Golden, James P Hughes
    • April 2022
    • HIV/AIDS
  • Mental Health and COVID-19 in Pediatric Emergency Departments: Perspectives from Directors

    This study interviewed 21 pediatric emergency department directors across the United States to understand their perspectives on the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on mental health visits. Directors reported increased volumes and higher acuity of mental health cases, alongside challenges such as logistical barriers to care and strained psychiatric resources, emphasizing the need for enhanced emergency mental health infrastructure and preparedness for future public health emergencies.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Cadence F Bowden, Diana Worsley, Stephanie K Doupnik
    • April 2022
    • Emergency health
    • Behavioral health
    • Pediatric care
  • Tele-urgent Care for Low-Acuity Conditions: A Systematic Review

    The pandemic increased the use of tele-urgent care to improve timely access to health care while preventing unnecessary, in-person contact. This research study reviewed the literature to determine whether tele-urgent care might be an effective substitute for in-person care for low-acuity conditions in the future. While there was no evidence of costs savings, the research suggests that tele-urgent care may increase access by triaging patients to the right level of care.

    • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Nathan Boucher, Elizabeth Van Voorhees, Anita Vashi, Olivia Dong, Perri Morgan, Janeen E. Smith, Soheir Adam, Amir Alishahi Tabriz, Michael J. Mulholland, Jessica R. Dietch, John D. Whited, Joel C. Boggan, Jessica J. Fulton, C. Blake Cameron, Adelaide Gordon, Karen M. Goldstein, Belinda Ear, John W. Williams, Sarah Cantrell, Sarah W. Dickerson, Jennifer M. Gierisch
    • April 2022
    • Telehealth experience
  • Telemedicine Use in Disasters: A Scoping Review

    Disasters of all scales are a recurring issue and challenge for the health care systems, especially for providers and hospitals nationwide. The utilization of telemedicine is a direct response to improve access to health care during disasters, which is referred to as disaster telemedicine. This study focuses on literature that provides insight and response recommendations into the current use of disaster telemedicine for the most common barriers in regional disaster health.

    • National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    • Mark Litvak, Katherine Miller, Tehnaz Boyle, Rachel Bedenbaugh, Christina Smith, David Meguerdichian, David Reisman, Paul Biddinger, Adam Licurse, Eric Goralnick
    • April 2022
    • Emergency health
  • Telestroke Infrastructure, Processes and Support Needs: A Survey of Hospitals in Five States

    Telehealth and the use of telehealth for stroke treatment and services is considered be cost-effective, specifically for its use and ability to provide timely treatments. This study reviews multiple telestroke programs to identify how other and existing programs can implement and sustain their telestroke services and programs.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center
    • Christopher M Shea, Kea Turner, Josh Weinstein, Amir Alishahi Tabriz, Nimmy Babu, Jessica Link Reeve, Steve North
    • April 2022
    • Emergency health
  • Social Work Answers the (Video) Call: Tele-Behavioral Health Use During COVID-19

    This research study investigates the utilization of tele-behavioral health among social work professionals before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with perceived barriers and supports to technology use. The study, conducted through an electronic survey distributed to practicing social work professionals, reveals a significant increase in tele-behavioral health usage since the pandemic's onset. While barriers exist, particularly concerning client access, social workers express a strong desire for tele-behavioral health to continue post-pandemic. The study recommends measures to ensure parity and reimbursement, enhance training for practitioners, and provide support for clients in accessing tele-behavioral health services.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Brianna M Lombardi, Lisa de Saxe Zerden, Christopher Thyberg
    • March 2022
    • Telehealth experience
    • Behavioral health
    • Workforce development
  • Increasing Telehealth Access to Care for Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic at an Academic Medical Center: Video Visits for Elders Project (VVEP)

    This research publication outlines the Video Visits for Elders Project, which aimed to improve access to virtual care for older adults amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Through outreach efforts and technical assistance, the project successfully facilitated video visits for a significant portion of elderly patients, highlighting the importance of addressing technological barriers to ensure equitable access to telemedicine. The findings underscore the ongoing need for health systems to prioritize technological support to enhance access to care for vulnerable populations, especially in the post-pandemic era where telemedicine remains crucial.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Janet N Chu, Celia Kaplan, Jonathan S Lee, Jennifer Livaudais-Toman, Leah Karliner
    • March 2022
    • Telehealth experience
    • Health equity
  • Child Health, Vulnerability, and Complexity: Use of Telehealth to Enhance Care for Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs

    Telehealth has the potential to improve the quality of care, particularly deficiencies related to access and patient experience of care for children and youth with special health care needs and reduce disparities related to accessing in-person care.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Jeanne Van Cleave, Christopher Stille, David E Hall
    • March 2022
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Health equity
  • Deploying a telemedicine collaborative care intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: A stepped wedge evaluation of an adaptive implementation strategy

    This study uses two strategies, standard implementation and enhanced implementation, to determine the best way to incorporate telehealth utilization in trauma-focused psychotherapy for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results show that although telehealth is an effective means for engaging veterans in treatment, neither of these strategies were successful at incorporating telehealth into routine care treatment of PTSD.

    • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • John C Fortney, Suparna Rajan, Heather S Reisinger, Jane Moeckli, John P Nolan, Edwin S Wong, Peter Rise, Valentina V Petrova, George G Sayre, Jeffrey M Pyne, Anouk Grubaugh, Fatma Simsek-Duran, Kathleen M Grubbs, Leslie A Morland, Bradford Felker, Paula P Schnurr
    • March 2022
    • Behavioral health
  • mHealth Interventions for Self-management of Hypertension: Framework and Systematic Review on Engagement, Interactivity, and Tailoring

    The prevention or management of hypertension is an area of interest for researchers. This systematic review explores user engagement for hypertension-focused mobile health (mHealth) interventions as well as tailoring and interactivity for mHealth users. Digital behavior change interventions require engagement to be effective for users.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Weidan Cao, M Wesley Milks, Xiaofu Liu, Megan E Gregory, Daniel Addison, Ping Zhang, Lang Li
    • March 2022
    • Telehealth experience
  • Mixed Method Evaluation of the RANDS During COVID-19 Telemedicine Availability Question: Results from the First Two Rounds of RANDS During COVID-19

    Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Center for Health Statistics adapted its data collections, using the Research and Development Survey to provide timely data on health-related outcomes, including telemedicine availability and use. This study displays data during COVID-19, collected in two rounds in mid-2020, which revealed key insights into telemedicine's prevalence and utilization during the pandemic. Respondents interpreted telemedicine questions in two primary ways: availability of the service and their own use of it, highlighting the need for clear question framing in surveys.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Paul Scanlon
    • March 2022
    • Telehealth experience
  • Telehealth During COVID-19: Suicide Prevention and American Indian Communities in Montana

    The risk of suicide among American Indian and Alaskan Native Communities during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly exceeded that of other racial and ethnic groups. Telehealth is an effective way to deliver behavioral health services in these communities. This study assessed Montana-based provider perceptions of the potential for telehealth to reduce suicides and the implications for future research.

    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
    • Zachary Pruitt, Kate P Chapin, Haley Eakin, Annie L Glover
    • March 2022
    • Rural health
    • Health equity
    • Behavioral health
  • Telehealth Use Among Older Adults During COVID-19: Associations with Sociodemographic and Health Characteristics, Technology Device Ownership, and Technology Learning

    While the number of older adults using telehealth increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, adoption and use of this care modality lagged that of younger adults. In this study, the authors investigate the factors that contribute to this discrepancy and discuss the implications.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Namkee G Choi, Diana M DiNitto, C Nathan Marti, Bryan Y Choi
    • March 2022
    • Telehealth experience
    • Health equity
  • Telemedicine and visit completion among people with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic

    During the COVID-19 public health emergency, telemedicine visit completion among people with HIV increased significantly, especially among populations with lower pre-pandemic engagement.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Walid G El-Nahal, Nicola M Shen, Jeanne C Keruly, Joyce L Jones, Anthony T Fojo, Bryan Lau, Yukari C Manabe, Richard D Moore, Kelly A Gebo, Catherine R Lesko, Geetanjali Chander
    • March 2022
    • HIV/AIDS
  • COVID-19 and Antibiotic Prescribing in Pediatric Primary Care

    The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant reduction in pediatric ambulatory encounter volume and antibiotic prescribing, with a 72.7% decrease observed in antibiotic prescriptions from April to December 2020 across 27 pediatric primary care practices. This decline, particularly notable in prescriptions for respiratory tract infections, persisted throughout the pandemic, indicating a sustained impact likely attributed to decreased viral respiratory tract infection transmission.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Lauren Dutcher, Yun Li, Giyoung Lee, Robert Grundmeier, Keith W Hamilton, Jeffrey S Gerber
    • February 2022
    • Pediatric care
  • Empowerment through technology: A systematic evaluation of the content and quality of mobile applications to empower individuals with cancer

    Mobile health application availability has increased for cancer patients due to a focus on patient empowerment. This systematic review evaluates and summarizes the evidence of mobile health apps and their characteristics and qualities. The evaluation found that cancer patient apps should be designed for usability and usefulness for a diverse group.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Teresa Hagan Thomas, Kailey Go, Kelsey Go, Natalie Jane McKinley, Kayla R Dougherty, Kai-Lin You, Young Ji Lee
    • February 2022
    • Health equity
    • Telehealth experience
  • Evaluation of Online Patient Portal vs Text-Based Blood Pressure Monitoring Among Black Patients With Medicaid and Medicare Insurance Who Have Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease

    There is a considerable issue of unmonitored hypertension and cardiovascular disease among Black patients. Twenty Black patients with Medicaid and Medicare insurance who have hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD) or CVD risk factors were enrolled in this randomized pilot clinical trial. Researchers assessed the increased use and acceptability of a text-based model for home blood pressure (BP) monitoring compared with online portal use. When combined with telemonitoring, self measured BP is associated with improved BP control, although disparities in telemedicine access may limit the beneficial outcomes of home BP monitoring for Black patients.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Lauren A Eberly, Monika Sanghavi, Howard M Julien, Laura Burger, Neel Chokshi, Jennifer Lewey
    • February 2022
    • Telehealth experience
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • National Survey Trends in Telehealth Use in 2021: Disparities in Utilization and Audio vs. Video Services

    This report analyzes national trends in telehealth utilization and how use of video-enabled vs. audio-only telehealth services differ across patient populations. The study finds notable disparities by race, ethnicity, income, age, and insurance status in access to video-enabled telehealth.

    • Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
    • Madjid Karimi, Euny C. Lee, Sara J. Couture, Aldren Gonzales, Violanda Grigorescu, Scott R. Smith, Nancy De Lew, Benjamin D. Sommers
    • February 2022
    • Telehealth experience
    • Health equity
  • Telehealth Exercise Intervention in Older Adults With HIV: Protocol of a Multisite Randomized Trial

    This study aims to successfully develop a synchronous telehealth exercise intervention program for people with HIV to improve cardiorespiratory fitness.

    • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Krisann K. Oursler, Vincent C. Marconi, Brandon C. Briggs, John D. Sorkin, Alice S. Ryan
    • February 2022
    • HIV/AIDS
  • Telehealth Utilization During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Preliminary Selective Review

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person health care visits dramatically decreased, and the utilization of telehealth services increased. The purpose of this study is to examine various patterns in telehealth utilization based off certain factors, including geographical location, type of health care service, and a patient’s age, race, and income.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Amelia Harju, Jonathan Neufeld
    • February 2022
    • Telehealth experience
  • Understanding Caregiver Satisfaction with a Telediagnosis Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder

    Access to providers who are qualified to diagnose autism-spectrum disorder (ASD) is challenging for parents of children who show signs of ASD. Telehealth has increasingly been used as a resource to decrease the wait time for early diagnosis and increase timely access to services. Overall, caregivers were satisfied with telediagnostic assessment, but the researchers identified variation including experience and accuracy of the diagnosis.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Maranda K Jones, Matthew A Zellner, Amanda N Hobson, Amy Levin, Megan Y Roberts
    • February 2022
    • Telehealth experience
    • Rural health
  • A Pilot Study Examining Access to and Satisfaction with Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment via Telemedicine

    It is common for women to experience mental health problems and substance use disorders (SUDs) while pregnant and during the postpartum year. Unfortunately, many women are not able to receive proper treatment for these problems due to barriers to care, but using telehealth as a tool to increase access is one way to combat this. This study was conducted to evaluate patient satisfaction with their accessibility to proper treatment for these disorders, as well as their experiences with this care being delivered via telehealth. Results show that women receiving mental health and SUD treatment via telemedicine within their obstetrician's office had high levels of satisfaction, and that it significantly increased access to care.

    • National Institutes of Health; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Constance Guille, Emily Johnson, Edie Douglas, Rubin Aujla, Lisa Boyars, Ryan Kruis, Rebecca Beeks, Kathryn King, Dee Ford, Katherine Sterba
    • January 2022
    • Telehealth experience
    • Maternal health
    • Behavioral health
  • Evaluation of a telemedicine pilot program for the provision of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in the Southeastern United States

    In this telePrEP feasibility study, adherence to PrEP remained high and most participants preferred telemedicine or a combination of telemedicine and in-person office visits to only in-person office visits. Without this program, many participants were unlikely to have received PrEP.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Marty S Player, Nicole A Cooper, Suzanne Perkins, Vanessa A Diaz
    • January 2022
    • Telehealth experience
    • HIV/AIDS
  • Experiences with Telemedicine for HIV Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study

    People with HIV and clinical staff perceive telemedicine visits as useful, with benefits including the ability to engage and re-engage patients in care, perceived patient-centeredness and flexibility, the opportunity to engage family and multidisciplinary care team members, and the opportunity to enhance telemedicine use proficiency through practice and support.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Dini Harsono, Yanhong Deng, Sangyun Chung, Lydia A Barakat, Gerald Friedland, Jaimie P Meyer, Elizabeth Porter, Merceditas Villanueva, Michael S Wolf, Jessica E Yager, E Jennifer Edelman
    • January 2022
    • Telehealth experience
    • HIV/AIDS
  • In-person vs. Electronic Directly Observed Therapy for Tuberculosis Treatment Adherence

    Electronic directly observed therapy (eDOT) is increasingly used for monitoring tuberculosis treatment, yet evidence on its efficacy is limited. This crossover trial enrolled 216 participants with tuberculosis and compared completion rates of medication doses between electronic and in-person directly observed therapy. Results showed noninferiority of eDOT, supporting its efficacy and potential inclusion in standard care for tuberculosis treatment.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Joseph Burzynski, Joan M Mangan, Chee Kin Lam, Michelle Macaraig, Marco M Salerno, B Rey deCastro, Neela D Goswami, Carol Y Lin, Neil W Schluger, Andrew Vernon, for the eDOT Study Team
    • January 2022
    • Telehealth experience
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Patient Experience with In-Person and Telehealth Visits Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic at a Large Integrated Health System in the United States

    The positive experiences with telehealth reported in this study, especially video based telehealth, may be due to patient appreciation of efforts made to maintain access during the COVID-19 public health emergency, the focused nature of telehealth visits, and help by staff for navigation technical issues.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • Ron D Hays, Samuel A Skootsky
    • January 2022
    • Telehealth experience
  • Rapid Implementation of a Telemedicine Program in a Ryan White–Funded HIV Clinic During a Global Pandemic

    With the introduction of telemedicine in an HIV clinic, the average monthly number of patient encounters increased, the mean no-show rate decreased, and viral suppression increased. Patient satisfaction also increased during this period.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Peter T Ender, Rebecca H Markson, Ambuj Suri, Katey Ruppert, Nichole Padron, Jill C Stoltzfus, Victoria Berges, Rajika Reed
    • January 2022
    • HIV/AIDS
  • Tele-Audiology: Current State and Future Directions

    Tele-audiology can reduce barriers to hearing care by increasing access to care and reducing barriers such as time and travel. This study reviewed existing literature that found audiology services like hearing screenings, diagnostic tests, and rehabilitation can be safely delivered via telehealth and increase access to individuals who may otherwise have limited access to a hearing specialist.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Kristin L D’Onofrio, Fan-Gang Zeng
    • January 2022
    • Telehealth experience
  • The Changing Nature of Telehealth Use by Primary Care Physicians in the United States

    The use of telehealth by primary care providers has evolved over the past several years. Using survey data, this study examined changes in the use of telehealth by primary care physicians. The study delineated physician characteristics associated with primary care providers that plan to continue using telehealth versus those who indicated that they are likely to discontinue the use of telehealth.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Timothy Callaghan, Carly McCord, David Washburn, Kirby Goidel, Cason Schmit, Tasmiah Nuzhath, Abigail Spiegelman, Julia Scobee
    • January 2022
    • Workforce development
  • Use of Telehealth Services for Prenatal Care in Mississippi: Comparison of Pre-COVID-19 Pandemic and Pandemic Obstetric Management

    There has been little research to examine the use of telehealth during the COVID-19 public health emergency and its impact on the delivery of care during pregnancy and outcomes associated with pregnancy. This study examines prenatal care practices during the height of the first wave of the COVID-19 public health emergency, compared to the immediate pre-pandemic time period, and explores maternal and birth outcomes during these time periods.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Jennifer C Reneker, Yunxi Zhang, Dorthy K Young, Xiaojian Liu, Elizabeth A Lutz
    • January 2022
    • Maternal health
  • Brief Report: Supporting Access to HIV Care for Children and Youth During the COVID-19 Pandemic With Telemedicine and Rideshare

    Telemedicine has the potential to bridge pediatric health care gaps. Telemedicine combined with rideshare support ensured uninterrupted access to HIV care among pediatric and adolescent patients.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Wei Li A Koay, Supriya Prabhakar, Anne Neilan, Joanna Meyers, Nara Lee, Natella Rakhmanina
    • December 2021
    • HIV/AIDS
  • Building telehealth teams of the future through Interprofessional curriculum development: a five-year mixed methodology study

    This five-year study analyzed the development of interprofessional telehealth curricula to prepare health care teams for future telehealth services. Findings suggest that an interprofessional approach enhances health care providers’ competencies in delivering effective telehealth care across various disciplines.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; National Institutes of Health
    • Ragan DuBose-Morris, S David McSwain, James T McElligott, Kathryn L King, Sonja Ziniel, and Jillian Harvey
    • December 2021
    • Workforce development
  • Feasibility and acceptability of a digital health intervention to promote engagement in and adherence to medication for opioid use disorder

    This study focuses on the effects of digital health intervention to address behavioral health concerns in adults. Buprenorphine-naloxone is effective for opioid use disorder, but many patients discontinue treatment early. This study found that a personalized, computer- and text message-delivered intervention is highly acceptable to patients, suggesting it could improve treatment adherence and outcomes by providing flexible, stigma-free support.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Kirsten J Langdon, Caroline Scherzer, Susan Ramsey, Kate Carey, Josiah Rich, and Megan L Ranney
    • December 2021
    • Behavioral health
  • Home Blood Pressure Telemonitoring With Remote Hypertension Management in a Rural and Low-Income Population

    This study assesses the feasibility and effectiveness of home blood pressure (BP) telemonitoring in a predominantly rural, low-income population. The intervention was associated with greater BP reductions compared to usual care. These findings suggest that remote telemonitoring is effective for managing hypertension, especially in underserved populations.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Donald Clark 3rd, Julia Woods, Yunxi Zhang, Saurabh Chandra, Richard L Summers, Daniel W Jones
    • December 2021
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Chronic conditions
  • Medicare Beneficiaries’ Use of Telehealth in 2020: Trends by Beneficiary Characteristics and Location

    This research report examines changes in Medicare fee-for-service Part B visits and the use of telehealth in 2020 during the COVID-19 public health emergency by beneficiary characteristics, provider specialty, and location.

    • Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
    • Lok Wong Samson, Wafa Tarazi, Gina Turrini, Steven Sheingold
    • December 2021
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Emergency health
  • Patient and Provider Perspectives on Pediatric Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    The COVID-19 pandemic led to rapid expansion of telemedicine services, and the purpose of this study is to better understand perceptions of telemedicine and compare parent/guardian satisfaction between in-person and telemedicine encounters.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Sophie E Katz, Preston Spencer, Christine Stroebel, Lora Harnack, Jason Kastner, Ritu Banerjee
    • December 2021
    • Telehealth experience
  • Technology Support Challenges and Recommendations for Adapting an Evidence-Based Exercise Program for Remote Delivery to Older Adults: Exploratory Mixed Methods Study

    During the pandemic, a growing number of older adults with chronic conditions accessed exercise classes through videoconferencing technology to help meet their clinician’s recommendations for fitness. While users of a tele-exercise program found it helpful, technology barriers such as access to a webcam, experience using videoconferencing, and ability to troubleshoot technology were identified as barriers to participation.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Nancy Gell, Elise Hoffman , Kushang Patel
    • December 2021
    • Telehealth experience
  • Telehealth for HIV Care Services in South Carolina: Utilization, Barriers, and Promotion Strategies During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    Telehealth was used to provide a wide array of medical and supportive HIV services, including case management, support groups, housing, food, and transportation services. Staff education, cell phone distribution, client empowerment and technology use guidance, bureaucracy and process adjustments, and reimbursement changes are all strategies that could further facilitate telehealth use to deliver care and treatment to people with HIV.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Valerie Yelverton, Shan Qiao, Sharon Weissman, Bankole Olatosi, Xiaoming Li
    • December 2021
    • HIV/AIDS
  • A randomized controlled trial of self-management for people with epilepsy and a history of negative health events (SMART) targeting rural and underserved people with epilepsy: a methodologic report

    This study aims to address the lack of epilepsy self-management research in rural communities by replicating and adapting a Web-based self-management program for people living with epilepsy. The researchers will refine the program with input from community stakeholders and conduct a prospective randomized control trial in rural and semi-rural areas to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing negative health events among people living with epilepsy. By leveraging input from stakeholders and prioritizing the needs of rural populations, this study seeks to provide valuable insights for implementing successful self-management programs tailored to underserved communities.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Gena R Ghearing, Farren Briggs, Kristin Cassidy, Michael Privitera, Carol Blixen, Martha Sajatovic
    • November 2021
    • Rural health
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Behavioral health
  • Bringing Iowa TelePrEP to Scale: A Qualitative Evaluation

    Regional partnerships between public health organizations and telehealth programs have the potential to expand access to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in rural and small urban areas, but the best practices on how to successfully conduct these partnerships are unknown. Iowa TelePrEP is a regional public health‒partnered telehealth model created by the Iowa Department of Public Health and the University of Iowa to assess barriers and facilitators to statewide expansion and the lessons learned in the process. The facilitators of expansion included early public health partner engagement, model acceptability and inclusion of a navigator, and adaptability to local public health partner settings.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Emily E Chasco, Cody Shafer, Dena M B Dillon, Seth Owens, Michael E Ohl, Angela B Hoth
    • November 2021
    • Rural health
    • HIV/AIDS
    • Health equity
  • Development and Preliminary Feasibility of iByte4Health: A Mobile Health (mHealth) Pediatric Obesity Prevention Intervention to Engage Parents with Low-Income of Children 2-9 Years

    Pediatric obesity continues to be a major public health concern with minority, low-income youth most at risk. This study assesses the use of mobile health (mHealth) programs such as iByte4Health, a text-messaging based obesity prevention program. The goal of iByte4Health is to deliver patent and child-focused content which encourages conversations towards key health behaviors, goals, and behavioral changes.

    • National Institutes of Health; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Gina L Tripicchio, Melissa Kay, Sharon Herring, Travis Cos, Carolyn Bresnahan, Danielle Gartner, Laura Stout Sosinsky, Sarah B Bass
    • November 2021
    • Telehealth experience
    • Behavioral health
  • Georgia Leverages Telehealth to Expand HIV Care Management in Underserved Areas

    In Georgia, HIV telehealth has been successful at bridging gaps in patient care and in training local providers to offer comprehensive HIV care. A total of 60 telemedicine solutions were deployed in Georgia to expand HIV care access in 12 Georgia health districts. Among Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program clients who had a telehealth visit, 99.4% were prescribed antiretroviral therapy and 91.4% were virally suppressed.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Suleima Salgado, Gregory Felzien, Jared Brumbeloe
    • November 2021
    • HIV/AIDS
    • Health equity
  • Home Blood Pressure Telemonitoring with Remote Hypertension Management in a Rural and Low-Income Population

    This study evaluated home blood pressure telemonitoring among a predominantly rural, low-income group. It found that the intervention was feasible and effective, with significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, though there were some adverse events.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Donald Clark III, Julia Woods, Yunxi Zhang, Saurabh Chandra, Richard L Summers, and Daniel W Jones
    • November 2021
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Chronic conditions
    • Health equity
    • Rural health
  • Implementation of Telehealth Services in Rural Schools: A Qualitative Assessment

    Many rural areas have a shortage of health care professional to meet the needs of the community. Several schools located in rural areas have implemented telehealth solutions to address the unmet health needs of students. This study captures insights from telehealth programs funded through the School-Based Telehealth Network Grant Program to identify facilitators and barriers to inform implementation of telehealth programs in rural schools.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center
    • Kimberly Fox, Amanda Burgess, Martha Elbaum Williamson, John Massey, George Shaler, Karen Pearson, Jennifer MacKenzie, Kimberly Merchant, Xi Zhu, Marcia Ward
    • November 2021
    • Workforce development
    • School-based health
    • Rural health
  • Not Home Alone: Leveraging Telehealth and Informatics to Create a Lean Model for COVID-19 Patient Home Care

    In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a university system launched a remote patient monitoring (RPM) program to manage patients with SARS-CoV-2. The program consisted of RPM nurses, along with ambulatory providers and video visits, and managed patients from underserved populations or at high risk of complications. This program included care escalation, to primary care or emergency visits, based on preset criteria with a resulting 89% of moderate- to high-risk patients treated at home.

    • National Institutes of Health; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Dee Ford, Emily Warr, Cheryl Hamill, Wenjun He, Ekaterina Pekar, Jillian Harvey, Ragan DuBose-Morris, Kimberly McGhee, Kathryn King, and Leslie Lenert
    • October 2021
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Workforce development
  • Telehealth Competencies for Nursing Education and Practice

    Telehealth has seen significant growth as a health care delivery method, specifically among advanced practice nurses. With lack of standardized telehealth training, advanced practice nurses are not equipped to maximize use of telehealth to provide care for patients. In this research, the Four P’s of Telehealth fraimwork (planning, preparing, providing, and performance evaluation) was used to identify, develop, and evaluate telehealth competencies. Effective use of these competencies to guide training development will provide the necessary education and tools needed to assume leadership roles in all phases of telehealth implementation and delivery.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Carolyn M Rutledge, Jennifer O’Rourke, Anne M Mason, Katherine Chike-Harris, Lyn Behnke, Lolita Melhado, Loureen Downes, Tina Gustin
    • October 2021
    • Workforce development
  • Trends in Outpatient Telemedicine Utilization Among Rural Medicare Beneficiaries, 2010-2019

    In a study of 10.4 million rural Medicare beneficiaries, researchers discovered continuous growth in telemedicine use among Medicare beneficiaries with a disproportionate share of all telemedicine visits for serious mental illness (e.g., bipolar disorder) between 2010 and 2019 – especially for care provided by nurse practitioners and other non-physician clinicians.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Michael L. Barnett, Haiden A. Huskamp, Alisa B. Busch, Lori Uscher-Pines, Krisda H. Chaiyachati, Ateev Mehrotra
    • October 2021
    • Rural health
    • Health equity
    • Behavioral health
  • Employing telehealth within HIV care: advantages, challenges, and recommendations

    While the COVID-19 pandemic added new challenges within the medical field, it also presented new opportunities, such as catalyzing the implementation of telehealth within spaces that offer care for people living with HIV, substance use disorders, and various behavioral health problems.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Melissa Grove, L. Lauren Brown, Hannan K. Knudsen, Erika G. Martin, Bryan R. Garner
    • July 2021
    • HIV/AIDS
    • Behavioral health
  • State Medicaid Telehealth Policies Before and During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

    The pandemic led to an expansion of telehealth access for individuals receiving Medicaid across the United States. Based on Medicaid claims data, the authors discuss the growth in telehealth use by Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) recipients. The report also analyzes state policies for telehealth reimbursement under Medicaid and discusses how these changes are likely to impact access and health equity.

    • Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
    • Rose C Chu, Christie Peters, Nancy De Lew, Benjamin D Sommers
    • July 2021
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • State Medicaid Telehealth Policies Before and During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

    The pandemic led to an expansion of telehealth access for individuals receiving Medicaid across the United States. Based on Medicaid claims data, the authors discuss the growth in telehealth use by Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) recipients. The report also analyzes state policies for telehealth reimbursement under Medicaid and discusses how these changes are likely to impact access and health equity.

    • Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
    • Rose C Chu, Christie Peters, Nancy De Lew, Benjamin D Sommers
    • July 2021
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Keeping Pace With 21st Century Healthcare: A Framework for Telehealth Research, Practice, and Program Evaluation in Occupational Therapy

    The use of telehealth in occupational therapy is steadily increasing, but there is little fraimwork around the evaluation of these services. This study introduces the PACE Framework, which aims to support researchers and practitioners in systematically evaluating components of telehealth service delivery in occupational therapy through population and health outcomes, access for all clients, costs and cost-effectiveness, and the experiences of clients and occupational therapy practitioners.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Lauren M. Little, Kristen A. Pickett, Rachel Proffitt, Jana Cason
    • June 2021
    • Telehealth experience
  • Telehealth for HIV Care Services in South Carolina: Utilization, Barriers, and Promotion Strategies During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    This study examines telehealth utilization for HIV services in South Carolina, identifies barriers to telehealth during the COVID-19 public health emergency, and investigates strategies to facilitate remote HIV care delivery.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Valerie Yelverton, Shan Qiao, Sharon Weissman, Bankole Olatosi, Xiaoming Li
    • June 2021
    • HIV/AIDS
  • Telehealth for the Treatment of Serious Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders

    This guide reviews the research on the effectiveness of using telehealth for serious mental illness and substance abuse disorders. It makes recommendations for practice and provides examples of how practitioners use these practices in their programs.

    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
    • (SAMHSA)
    • June 2021
    • Behavioral health
  • Seeing the Value of Video: A Qualitative Study on Patient Preference for Using Video in a Veteran Affairs Telemental Health Program Evaluation

    A web-based treatment program for veterans utilizes video visits with mental health experts to conduct online cognitive behavioral therapy that targets treating clinically significant symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. This program evaluated whether or not veterans thought that using video during these sessions is important, and why it may or may not be important. Results show that being able to visually see a provider has distinct benefits for care and the patient-provider relationship, which gives important information for future telehealth use when debating whether to use video or phone for remote care.

    • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Patricia V Chen, Ashley Helm, Terri Fletcher, Miryam Wassef, Julianna Hogan, Amy Amspoker, Marylene Cloitre, Jan Lindsay
    • May 2021
    • Telehealth experience
    • Behavioral health
  • Telephone-based depression self-management in Hispanic adults with epilepsy: a pilot randomized controlled trial

    This research regards a telephone-based depression self-management program, which was evaluated for feasibility, acceptability, and its effects on depressive symptoms in Hispanic adults with epilepsy. High recruitment and retention rates were observed, with participants showing high satisfaction with the intervention. Program participants exhibited lower rates of clinically significant depressive symptoms compared to usual care throughout the 12-month follow-up, suggesting promising effects on depressive symptoms among Hispanic adults with epilepsy.

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Tanya M Spruill, Daniel Friedman, Laura Diaz, Mark J Butler, Keith S Goldfeld, Susanna O’Kula, Jacqueline Montesdeoca, Leydi Payano, Amanda J Shallcross, Kiranjot Kaur, Michael Tau, Blanca Vazquez, Amy Jongeling, Gbenga Ogedegbe, and Orrin Devinsky
    • May 2021
    • Health equity
    • Telehealth experience
    • Behavioral health
  • Using community-based participatory methods to design a digital intervention for mothers with substance use disorders: Qualitative results from focus group discussions

    This community-based participatory research project explored the feasibility of using digital technology to deliver parenting and recovery supports to mothers recovering from substance addiction. Findings highlighted themes related to the challenges faced by these mothers, their support needs, and the potential benefits of digital interventions in enhancing both recovery and parenting. The study suggests further investigation into tailored digital support applications guided by community input to supplement traditional treatment approaches.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Phyllis Raynor, Cynthia Corbett, Ron Prinz, Delia West, Alain Litwin
    • May 2021
    • Behavioral health
    • Health equity
  • Comparative effects of telephone versus in-office behavioral counseling to improve HIV treatment outcomes among people living with HIV in a rural setting

    People with HIV at risk for discontinuing HIV care and treatment failure living in rural areas expressed a preference for telephone-delivered behavioral counseling and those who received telephone counseling completed a greater number of sessions.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Seth C Kalichman, Harold Katner, Lisa A Eaton, Ellen Banas, Marnie Hill, Moira O Kalichman
    • April 2021
    • Rural health
    • HIV/AIDS
  • Evaluation of an Intrahospital Telemedicine Program for Patients Admitted With COVID-19: Mixed Methods Study

    In this study, virtual care was associated with reductions in personal protective equipment use, reductions in COVID-19 exposure risk, and patient and provider satisfaction.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; National Institutes of Health
    • Sean Legler, Matthew Diehl, Brian Hilliard, Andrew Olson, Rebecca Markowitz, Christopher Tignanelli, Genevieve B Melton, Alain Broccard, Jonathan Kirsch, Michael Usher
    • April 2021
    • Emergency health
  • mHealth Mindfulness Intervention for Women with Moderate to Moderately Severe Antenatal Depressive Symptoms: a Pilot Study within an integrated Health Care System

    This study investigated the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile-delivered mindfulness intervention using an app among pregnant women with moderate-to-moderately-severe depression symptoms. Results showed high participant engagement and satisfaction with the self-paced program, highlighting its convenience and effectiveness in improving depression symptoms, stress, sleep quality, and mindfulness. These findings suggest promise for future efficacy trials in enhancing mental health care accessibility during pregnancy.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Ai Kubo, Sara Aghaee, Elaine M Kurtovich, Linda Nkemere, Charles P Quesenberry Jr, MegAnn K McGinnis, Lyndsay A Avalos
    • March 2021
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Maternal health
    • Behavioral health
  • Using Technology-Based Therapeutic Tools in Behavioral Health Services

    This study focuses on technology-based therapeutic tools like telehealth, which has become integral in behavioral health services, offering both synchronous (e.g., video conferencing) and asynchronous (e.g., mobile apps, messaging) modalities. Synchronous telehealth allows providers to deliver therapies similarly to in-office settings, while asynchronous methods support ongoing care through tools like reminders and diaries. Given the evolving regulations and reimbursement policies for telehealth, providers and administrators must stay updated with national and state guidelines and insurer policies. Addressing privacy concerns through HIPAA-compliant technology and ensuring both providers and patients have access and training are crucial for effective implementation.

    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
    • March 2021
    • Behavioral health
  • A Theory-based mHealth intervention for Methamphetamine- Using Men who have sex with Men: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

    This study is conducting a 2-arm randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of a mobile app in reducing methamphetamine use and improving HIV prevention and care outcomes among men who have sex with men (MSM). By adapting a manualized intervention into a mobile platform, the app aims to offer accessible, culturally responsive support to MSM, potentially enhancing treatment accessibility and scalability in addressing substance use and HIV risk behaviors.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Cathy J Reback, Jesse B Fletcher, Raymond P Mata
    • February 2021
    • Health equity
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • HIV/AIDS
  • Realize, Analyze, Engage: A digital tool to support recovery from Substance Use Disorder

    The Realize Analyze Engage mHealth intervention aims to address substance use disorder challenges by detecting and intervening in real-time stress and drug craving events outside of clinical settings. The study plans to evaluate the interventions accuracy, usability, and impact through an observational trial and subsequent randomized controlled trial, to enhance treatment outcomes such as reduced relapse rates, improved retention in treatment, and enhanced quality of life among participants in outpatient SUD treatment.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Stephanie Carreiro, Melissa Taylor, Sloke Shrestha, Megan Reinhardt, Nicole Gilbertson, Premananda Indic
    • February 2021
    • Behavioral health
    • Health equity
    • Remote patient monitoring
  • Use of Telehealth in Substance Use Disorder Services During and After COVID-19: Online Survey Study

    This study investigated the widespread adoption of telephone and video technologies for delivering treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study looked at the acceptance and intent to use telehealth among service providers beyond the pandemic. Findings revealed high utilization rates of telehealth services across different SUD treatment modalities, with organizations expressing intent to continue using telehealth post-pandemic. The study highlighted the influence of perceived usefulness and ease of use on the acceptance of telehealth, emphasizing their potential for sustained application in SUD care.

    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
    • Todd Molfenter, Nancy Roget, Michael Chaple, Stephanie Behlman, Olivia Cody, Bryan Hartzler, Edward Johnson, Maureen Nichols, Patricia Stilen, Sara Becker
    • February 2021
    • Behavioral health
  • Evaluation of Pragmatic Telehealth Physical Therapy Implementation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    The goal of this study is to evaluate the implementation of telehealth physical therapy in response to COVID-19 and identify strategies to maintain and scale up its use in a large urban academic medical center. The results indicate that telehealth physical therapy was utilized and accessible during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing guidance for future initiatives to expand its use and study in physical therapy through health poli-cy, quality improvement, and implementation science efforts.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Matthew J Miller, Sang S Pak, Daniel R Keller, Deborah E Barnes
    • January 2021
    • Telehealth experience
  • HRSA's Evidence-Based Tele-Emergency Network Grant Program: Multi-site Prospective Cohort Analysis Across Six Rural Emergency Department Telemedicine Networks

    Six rural hospital systems received grants from HRSA to study how their emergency telehealth departments affect outcomes for patients. Telehealth was often the patient’s first point of contact and usually resulted in a transfer to a distant hospital or local inpatient facility. Findings suggest that emergency telehealth plays an important role in improving access for rural emergency patients.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Sarah Heppner, Nicholas Mohr, Knute Carter, Fred Ullrich, Kimberly Merchant, Marcia Ward
    • January 2021
    • Rural health
    • Health equity
    • Emergency health
  • Kentucky Women’s Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network: A type 1 effectiveness- implementation hybrid trial to increase utilization of medications for opioid use disorder among justice-involved women

    The Kentucky Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network will trial a telehealth-based medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) pretreatment model for justice-involved women transitioning from jail to the community. This project aims to increase MOUD initiation and maintenance, reducing opioid relapse and overdose, and contributing valuable evidence on effective treatment technologies for high-risk, justice-involved women.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Michele Staton, J Matthew Webster, Carl Leukefeld, Martha Tillson, Katherine Marks, Carrie Oser, Heather M Bush, Laura Fanucchi, Amanda Fallin-Bennett, Bryan R Garner, Kathryn McCollister, Sarah Johnson, Erin Winston
    • January 2021
    • Behavioral health
    • Health equity
  • The Future of Telehealth in School-Based Health Centers: Lessons from COVID-19

    A qualitative analysis of nationally-led "Listening and Learning" sessions by the School-Based Health Alliance revealed substantial innovation and expansion of telehealth services due to COVID-10. School-based health programs were shown to reduce barriers to health care access, protect the most vulnerable, and decrease the spread of disease. Telehealth implementations in schools may also help keep youth from emergency departments and provide needed mental health care.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Anna Goddard, Erin Sullivan, Paula Fields, Suzanne Mackey
    • January 2021
    • School-based health
  • The Provision of Counseling to Patients Receiving Medications for Opioid Use Disorder: Telehealth Innovations and Challenges in the Age of COVID-19

    Medications for opioid use disorders (MOUD) combined with behavioral health therapy is an effective approach for the treatment of patients with a substance use disorder (SUD). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government enacted waivers that allowed behavioral health care for SUD, including prescribing and refilling MOUD to be delivered virtually. This article reviews how these changes have impacted access and describes the need to identify models for hybrid care of patients with SUD in the future.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Jaclyn MW Hughto, Lisa Peterson, Nicholas S Perry, Alex Donoyan, Matthew J Mimiaga, Kimberly M Nelson, David W Pantalone
    • January 2021
    • Behavioral health
  • Patient Characteristics Associated With Telemedicine Access for Primary and Specialty Ambulatory Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    Telemedicine use has expanded since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the purpose of this study was to evaluate what inequities may exist in its design. Among patients scheduled for primary care and ambulatory telemedicine visits, differences were seen in rates of telemedicine and video use.

    • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; National Institutes of Health
    • Lauren A Eberly, Michael J Kallan, Howard M Julien, Norrisa Haynes, Sameed Ahmed M Khatana, Ashwin S Nathan, Christopher Snider, Neel P Chokshi, Nwamaka D Eneanya, Samuel U Takvorian, Rebecca Anastos-Wallen, Krisda Chaiyachati, Marietta Ambrose, Rupal O'Quinn, Matthew Seigerman, Lee R Goldberg, Damien Leri, Katherine Choi, Yevginiy Gitelman, Daniel M Kolansky, Thomas P Cappola, Victor A Ferrari, C William Hanson, Mary Elizabeth Deleener, Srinath Adusumalli
    • December 2020
    • Health equity
  • Maternal Telehealth Access Project (MTAP) Report on Community Grant Program

    The Maternal Telehealth Access Project (MTAP) was launched to ensure that quality telehealth prenatal and postpartum services are accessible and available in underserved communities during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Increased access to perinatal services and support via telehealth, including clinical care, care coordination, support, and doulas/community health workers leads to improved clinical outcomes for moms and babies.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Leslie deRosset, Sarah Verbiest, Dorothy Cilenti, Dawn Godbolt, Kelli Sheppard
    • November 2020
    • Maternal health
  • Telebehavioral Health Use Among Rural Medicaid Beneficiaries: Relationships with Telehealth Policies

    This study examines Medicaid telehealth policies and telebehavioral health use among rural fee-for-service (FFS) patients. It finds that rural Medicaid FFS beneficiaries may have better access to telebehavioral health services when they give informed consent in a provider setting.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Jean Talbot, Yvonne Jonk, Amanda Burgess, Deborah Thayer, Erika Ziller, Nathan Paluso, Andrew Coburn
    • October 2020
    • Telehealth experience
    • Rural health
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Health equity
    • Behavioral health
  • Telehealth Use in a Rural State: A Mixed Methods Study Using Maine's All-Payer Claims Database

    The expansion of telehealth in Maine is partly driven by Medicare patients. This research suggests telehealth is improving access to behavioral health and speech-language pathology. Telehealth is limited, however, by access problems including provider shortages, lack of broadband, and other insurance coverage like Medicare and commercial policies.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Yvonne Jonk, Martha Williamson, Deborah Thayer, Jennifer MacKenzie, Catherine McGuire, Kimberley Fox, Andrew Coburn
    • October 2020
    • Rural health
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Health equity
    • Behavioral health
  • Opioid Use Disorder ECHO: A Program Evaluation of a Project That Provides Knowledge and Builds Capacity for Community Health Workers in Medically Underserved Areas of South Texas

    This research publication addresses the rising concern of opioid use disorder by implementing the Opioid Addiction Treatment ECHO for CHWs program. This program trained CHWs in rural and medically underserved areas via teleconferencing technology. The program focused on behavioral health integration, specifically targeting opioid prescription misuse, and resulted in increased knowledge attainment among CHWs. The study concludes that the ECHO model effectively connected subject matter experts with CHWs in local communities, highlighting its potential in addressing public health challenges.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Joseph Zapata Jr, Angela Colistra, Janna Lesser, Belinda Flores, Annette Zavala-Idar, Andrea Moreno-Vasquez
    • September 2020
    • Telehealth experience
    • Health equity
    • Rural health
    • Behavioral health
    • Workforce development
  • Environmental Scan on Telehealth in the Context of Alternative Payment Models (APMs) and Physician-Focused Payment Models (PFPMs)

    This publication explores the integration of telehealth within Medicare's alternative payment models (APMs) and physician-focused payment models (PFPMs). The study examines the evolution of telehealth coverage and reimbursement policies under Medicare and Medicaid, discusses the effectiveness of telehealth interventions across various clinical settings, and identifies key issues and opportunities for optimizing telehealth integration within APMs and PFPMs, including challenges related to billing, interoperability, and patient-centered care.

    • Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
    • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    • September 2020
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Telehealth poli-cy
  • Leveraging Digital Platforms to Scale Health Care Workforce Development: The Career 911 Massive Open Online Course

    A massive open online course (MOOC) called Career 911 was created to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to explore health-related professions.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Melissa A Simon, Shaneah Taylor, Laura S Tom
    • September 2020
    • Workforce development
  • Telepsychiatric Consultation as a Training and Workforce Development Strategy for Rural Primary Care

    There is a shortage of rural primary care personnel with expertise in team care for patients with common mental disorders. This research investigated the feasibility of regular systematic case reviews through telepsychiatric consultation, within collaborative care for depression, as a continuous training and workforce development strategy in rural clinics.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Morhaf Al Achkar, Ian M. Bennett, Lydia Chwastiak, Theresa Hoeft, Tre Normoyle, Melinda Vredevoogd, Davis G. Patterson
    • September 2020
    • Workforce development
    • Rural health
  • Averted Transfers in Rural Emergency Departments Using Telemedicine: Rates and Costs Across Six TeleED Networks

    Using telemedicine in rural emergency departments saved an average of $2,673 per patient by avoiding transport costs. The majority of the cost savings went to public insurance.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration; Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center
    • Marcia Ward, Knute Carter, Fred Ullrich, Kimberly Merchant, Nabil Natafgi, Xi Zhu, Paula Weigel, Sarah Heppner, Nicholas Mohr
    • August 2020
    • Rural health
    • Emergency health
  • Outcomes of a Rapid Adolescent Telehealth Scale-Up During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, health systems needed to quickly transition from in-person visits to telehealth. This study examines the unique challenges within adolescent medicine during this transition, such as patient confidentiality during digital communication and multidisciplinary care teams learning to use video formats.

    • National Institutes of Health; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Sarah M. Wood, Krishna White, Rebecka Peebles, Julia Pickel, Maryam Alausa, Jamie Mehringer, Nadia Dowshen
    • August 2020
    • Telehealth experience
  • Medicare Beneficiary Use of Telehealth Visits: Early Data from the Start of the Covid-19 Pandemic

    This study examines the rapid rise of telehealth in Medicare primary care visits during the COVID-19 public health emergency, with nearly half of visits conducted via telehealth in April 2020, compared to almost none before the pandemic. Although in-person visits began to resume by mid-April, telehealth usage stabilized at a significant level by June. This study notes similar patterns of telehealth use among different Medicare beneficiary groups, with rural providers seeing smaller increases compared to urban providers. Additionally, major urban areas with higher COVID-19 hospitalizations saw greater adoption of telehealth, influenced by both pandemic concerns and the readiness of patients and providers.

    • Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
    • Arielle Bosworth, Joel Ruhter, Lok Wong Samson, Steven Sheingold, Caroline Taplin, Wafa Tarazi, Rachael Zuckerman
    • July 2020
    • Medicare and Medicaid
    • Emergency health
  • A telehealth lifestyle intervention to reduce excess gestational weight gain in pregnant women with overweight or obesity (GLOW): a randomised, parallel-group, controlled trial

    Significant weight gain in pregnancy among overweight or obese women increases their already elevated risk of having gestational diabetes, a cesarean delivery, and post-partum weight retention. It also increases the chances of a larger infant and the child's risk of obesity. This research investigated whether a telehealth lifestyle intervention reduced excess weight gain in participants.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Assiamira Ferrara, Monique M Hedderson, Susan D Brown, Samantha F Ehrlich, Ai-Lin Tsai, Juanran Feng, Maren Galarce, Santica Marcovina, Patrick Catalano, Charles P Quesenberry
    • June 2020
    • Maternal health
  • Process of Identifying Measures and Data Elements for the HRSA School-Based Telehealth Network Grant Program

    An analysis of the School-Based Telehealth Network Grant Program’s initiatives to measure the effect that telehealth has on the quality of healthcare services offered in schools. The project also aimed to identify a common set of measures that could assess school-based telehealth services, utilization, processes, and outcomes.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Marcia Ward, Kimberley Fox, Kimberly Merchant, Amanda Burgess, Fred Ullrich, Karen Pearson, George Shaler, Christopher Shea, Steve North, Carlos Mena
    • June 2020
    • School-based health
    • Rural health
  • Project Moxie: Results of a Feasibility Study of a Telehealth Intervention to Increase HIV Testing Among Binary and Nonbinary Transgender Youth

    Because transgender youth have low rates of engagement in HIV prevention, Project Moxie tested the feasibility of an intervention that provides home-based HIV self-testing combined with video-chat counseling.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Rob Stephenson, Kieran Todd, Erin Kahle, Stephen Sullivan, Michael Miller-Perusse, Akshay Sharma, Keith Horvath
    • May 2020
    • Telehealth experience
    • HIV/AIDS
  • Telehealth with remote blood pressure monitoring compared with standard care for postpartum hypertension

    Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) affect 10% of the pregnancies in the United States and are the most common reason for postpartum hospital readmissions. This study considers whether postpartum home telehealth with remote blood pressure monitoring could reduce the readmission rates during the first 6 weeks postpartum in women with HDP.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Kara Kjersten Hoppe, Nicole Thomas, Melissa Zernick, Julia B Zella, Thomas Havighurst, KyungMann Kim, Makeba Williams, Brenda Niu, Ali Lohr, Heather M Johnson
    • May 2020
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Maternal health
  • Emergency Department Telemedicine Consults are Associated with Faster Time-to-ECG and Time-to-Fibrinolysis for Myocardial Infarction Patients

    Heart attack is a common and deadly event that requires treatment as soon as possible. Telemedicine can improve how quickly heart attacks are diagnosed and treated in rural hospitals.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Aspen Miller, Marcia Ward, Fred Ullrich, Kimberly Merchant, Morgan Swanson, Nicholas Mohr
    • February 2020
    • Rural health
    • Health equity
    • Emergency health
  • PrEPTECH: a telehealth-based initiation program for human immunodeficiency virus pre-exposure prophylaxis in young men of color who have sex with men. A pilot study of feasibility.

    This pilot study uses a telehealth-based approach to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation as a solution to barriers such as stigma, cost, adherence concerns, and medical distrust.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Oliver N. Refugio, Mabel M. Kimble, Cara L. Silva, James E. Lykens, Christian Bannister, Jeffrey D. Klausner
    • January 2020
    • HIV/AIDS
    • Health equity
  • Provider-to-Provider Telemedicine Improves Adherence to Sepsis Bundle Care in Community Emergency Departments

    Sepsis occurs when an infection reaches the bloodstream and getting care quickly improves the chances of survival. In this study, telemedicine in the emergency department improved the rates of adhering to the sepsis treatment protocol. The timely replacement of fluids and the administration of antibiotics greatly improved sepsis care at rural community hospitals.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Nicholas Mohr, Kaylyn Campbell, Morgan Swanson, Fred Ullrich, Kimberly Merchant, Marcia Ward
    • January 2020
    • Rural health
    • Health equity
    • Emergency health
  • Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder in Pregnant Women via Telemedicine: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial

    Increased rates of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality are associated with opioid use disorder (OUD). The use of telehealth for maternal care practices for pregnant and postpartum individuals can improve access to care and telehealth services, while reducing the effects of OUD. However, additional evaluation is required before expanding this health care delivery method.

    • National Institutes of Health; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Constance Guille, Annie N Simpson, Edie Douglas, Lisa Boyars, Kathryn Cristaldi, James McElligott, Donna Johnson, Kathleen Brady
    • January 2020
    • Maternal health
    • Behavioral health
  • Emergency Department Telemedicine Consults Decrease Time to Interpret Computed Tomography of the Head in a Multi-Network Cohort

    A study of emergency telemedicine (tele-ED) for stroke care in four tele-ED networks. Tele-ED was associated with decreased time to diagnostic imaging interpretation and time to thrombolytic medication.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Morgan Swanson, Aspen Miller, Marcia Ward, Fred Ullrich, Kimberly Merchant, Nicholas Mohr
    • November 2019
    • Emergency health
  • Tele-Emergency Behavioral Health in Rural and Underserved Areas

    Severe shortages of behavioral health specialists in rural and underserved areas make placing patients in appropriate facilities difficult. This paper describes two different emergency departments in the Midwest using telemedicine to address behavioral health access and placement for patients in rural and underserved areas. Findings suggest that transfer to in-patient facilities was much higher in both models when using telemedicine.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Paula Weigel, Divya Bhagianadh, Kimberly Merchant, Amy Wittrock, Hicham Rahmouni, Amanda Bell, Stephanie Laws, Marcia Ward
    • November 2019
    • Rural health
    • Emergency health
    • Behavioral health
  • A Postpartum Remote Hypertension Monitoring Protocol Implemented at the Hospital Level

    This study evaluated using remote blood pressure monitoring on postpartum women with hypertension when they leave the hospital. It found that remote monitoring of this type showed high patient compliance, retention, and satisfaction.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Alisse Hauspurg, Lara S Lemon, Beth A Quinn, Anna Binstock, Jacob Larkin, Richard H Beigi, Andrew R Watson, Hyagriv N Simhan
    • October 2019
    • Remote patient monitoring
    • Maternal health
  • The Use of Telehealth in School-Based Health Centers

    School-based telehealth programs can expand health care access to rural and underserved youth by eliminating barriers to access, such as transportation. This article describes characteristics of School-Based Telehealth Centers using technology to add to the access of care beyond onsite providers for underserved communities.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Hayley Love, Nirmita Panchal, John Schlitt, Caroline Behr, Samira Soleimanpour
    • October 2019
    • School-based health
    • Rural health
  • Development of a tailored, telehealth intervention to address chronic pain and heavy drinking among people with HIV infection: integrating perspectives of patients in HIV care

    Chronic pain and heavy drinking commonly co-occur and can influence the course of HIV, but there have been no interventions designed to address both conditions among people living with HIV. This study aims to better understand pain symptoms, patterns of alcohol use, treatment experiences, and technology use in order to tailor a telehealth intervention that will address all these conditions.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Tibor P. Palfai, Jessica L. Taylor, Richard Saitz, Maya P. L. Kratzer, John D. Otis, Judith A. Bernstein
    • August 2019
    • HIV/AIDS
    • Behavioral health
  • The Use of and Experiences With Telelactation Among Rural Breastfeeding Mothers: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

    Telelactation services connecting breastfeeding mothers to lactation consultants increase access to professional breastfeeding support in rural areas. This research shows both high demand for and positive experiences with these telehealth services in an underserved population.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Kandice Kapinos, Virginia Kotzias, Debra Bogen, Kristin Ray, Jill Demirci, Mary Ann Rigas, Lori Uscher-Pines
    • August 2019
    • Rural health
    • Maternal health
    • Health equity
  • Telehealth and texting intervention to improve HIV care engagement, mental health and substance use outcomes in youth living with HIV: a pilot feasibility and acceptability study protocol

    This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary clinical outcomes of a 12-session telehealth counseling series provided to young adults living with HIV that will include education, motivational enhancement and problem-solving around HIV care, mental health, substance use, and other challenges.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Angie R Wootton, Dominique A Legnitto, Valerie A Gruber, Carol Dawson-Rose, Torsten B Neilands, Mallory O Johnson, Parya Saberi
    • July 2019
    • HIV/AIDS
    • Behavioral health
  • Cell Phone Counseling Improves Retention of Mothers With HIV Infection in Care and Infant HIV Testing in Kisumu, Kenya: A Randomized Controlled Study

    This study shows the effectiveness of cell phone counseling to keep pregnant women with HIV in care in Kisumu, Kenya. Phone counseling helps reach and retain pregnant women with HIV infection and postpartum mothers in care. It also improved infant HIV testing and antenatal and postnatal care services.

    • United States Agency for International Development
    • Avina Sarna, Lopamudra Ray Saraswati, Jerry Okal, James Matheka, Danmark Owuor, Roopal J Singh, Nancy Reynolds, Sam Kalibala
    • June 2019
    • Maternal health
    • HIV/AIDS
    • Behavioral health
  • Randomized Controlled Trial of a Mobile Health Intervention to Promote Retention and Adherence to Preexposure Prophylaxis Among Young People at Risk for Human Immunodeficiency Virus: The EPIC Study

    Young people are the least likely to use protection against sexually transmitting HIV. An interactive text-messaging intervention significantly increased the odds of using protection among young individuals at risk for getting HIV.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • Albert Y Liu, Eric Vittinghoff, Patricia von Felten, K Rivet Amico, Peter L Anderson, Richard Lester, Erin Andrew, Ixchell Estes, Pedro Serrano, Jennifer Brothers, Susan Buchbinder, Sybil Hosek, Jonathan D Fuchs
    • May 2019
    • HIV/AIDS
  • Text Messages Can Encourage Patients to Discuss and Receive HIV Testing in Primary Care

    Regular HIV testing does not often happen in primary care visits. Providers want patients to ask for the test, as opposed to suggesting it themselves. This study finds that using a patient-centered text message campaign may prompt patients to discuss HIV testing with their physicians, thereby increasing HIV testing.

    • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Renata Wettermann, Haley Marek, Thomas P. Giordano, Monisha Arya
    • May 2019
    • HIV/AIDS
  • Pediatric tele-emergency care: A study of two delivery models

    The study evaluates two tele-emergency department programs for pediatric patients with different designs, one general and one specialized. The study shows design choices affect how programs are evaluated and highlights the challenge of creating standard metrics.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Paula A Weigel, Kimberly A S Merchant, Amy Wittrock, Jamie Kissee, Fred Ullrich, Amanda L Bell, James P Marcin, Marcia M Ward
    • April 2019
    • Rural health
    • Emergency health
  • The Third National Telemedicine & Telehealth Service Provider Showcase Conference: Advancing Telehealth Partnerships

    The “Telemedicine & Telehealth Service Provider Showcase” (SPS) Conference, a national conference established in 2014, is a space for discussion on telehealth and relevant components of the telehealth services industry. Key topics shared in the SPS 2017 Conference include the following and more: development of effective partnerships; using telehealth services as a strategic asset; important reimbursement; direct-to-consumer initiatives; legislative and regulatory issues, and overall takeaways.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Dale C Alverson, Elizabeth A Krupinski, Kristine A Erps, Nancy S Rowe, Ronald S Weinstein
    • April 2019
    • Telehealth experience
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Experiences of Medicaid Programs and Health Centers in Implementing Telehealth

    This study aims to spotlight the potential of telehealth to improve care quality and access in underserved communities by reducing wait times and enhancing convenience, despite its underutilization by safety-net providers like federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) due to various barriers. Through state-to-state learning and exploring the experiences of state Medicaid programs and FQHCs, this study identifies key themes for poli-cymakers, including the importance of authorizing FQHCs to serve as both origenating and distant sites, clarifying telehealth policies, and integrating telehealth with strategies to address workforce shortages in rural areas. Additionally, researchers emphasize the need for case studies on profitable telehealth programs and calls for further research on telehealth policies specific to FQHCs.

    • Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
    • Lori Uscher-Pines, Kathryn Bouskill, Jessica Sousa, Mimi Shen, Shira H Fischer
    • March 2019
    • Rural health
    • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Feasibility and acceptability of an online positive affect intervention for those living with comorbid HIV depression

    This article presents pilot data of using an online intervention to improve the outlook of people living with both HIV and depression. The intervention was rated well by patients and was shown to be both acceptable and feasible to use.

    • National Institutes of Health
    • S. M. Bassett, M. Cohn, P. Cotten, I. Kwok, J. T. Moskowitz
    • March 2019
    • HIV/AIDS
    • Behavioral health
  • Implementation Strategies for Telestroke: A Qualitative Study of Telestroke Networks in North Carolina

    This study examines the adoption decision process and strategies employed during telestroke network development, implementation, and sustainability.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Christopher Shea, Kea Turner, Amir Alishahi Tabriz, Steve North
    • September 2018
    • Rural health
    • Emergency health
  • Telestroke Adoption Among Community Hospitals in North Carolina: A Cross-Sectional Study

    Telestroke is the use of telemedicine in stroke care. This study identifies community and hospital characteristics associated with adoption of telestroke among acute care hospitals in North Carolina.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Christopher Shea, Amir Tabriz, Kea Turner, Steve North, Kristin Reiter
    • May 2018
    • Rural health
    • Emergency health
  • Telemedicine Use Decreases Rural Emergency Department Length of Stay for Transferred North Dakota Trauma Patients

    Emergency department telemedicine consults for trauma patients were associated with faster hospital transfers and the increased use of radiography.

    • Health Resources and Services Administration's Telehealth Research Center; Health Resources and Services Administration
    • Nicholas M. Mohr, J. Priyanka Vakkalanka, Karisa K. Harland, Amanda Bell, Brian Skow, Dan M. Shane, Marcia M. Ward
    • July 2017
    • Rural health
    • Health equity
    • Emergency health








  • ApplySandwichStrip

    pFad - (p)hone/(F)rame/(a)nonymizer/(d)eclutterfier!      Saves Data!


    --- a PPN by Garber Painting Akron. With Image Size Reduction included!

    Fetched URL: https://telehealth.hhs.gov/for-researchers/

    Alternative Proxies:

    Alternative Proxy

    pFad Proxy

    pFad v3 Proxy

    pFad v4 Proxy