We’ve seen many instances where telehealth has proven to be an essential tool for connecting patients of all different walks of life to quality care. As part of one of VTN’s central initiatives, we aim to deliver resources to Virginia’s network of health care professionals to help providers in doing so.
From addressing the unique needs of older adults and individuals with mental and behavioral health needs to improving access to care for underserved localities and communities experiencing disparities, there are many resources to advance telehealth access for all.
Resources for Older Adults and Telehealth
While telehealth offers convenience, many older adults face barriers like limited digital literacy and lack of access to technology.
- Implementing Age-Inclusive Telebehavioral Health is a toolkit by the Center of Excellence for Telehealth and Aging provides health care providers and organizations with a comprehensive framework for delivering effective telebehavioral health services to older adults.
- Telehealth Access for Seniors is a resource that provides older adults and low-income communities with devices, instructions, and tech-free support to connect their physicians via telehealth.
- “Age-inclusive Telehealth: What Is It? How Can We Achieve It?” breaks down the ins and outs of age-inclusive patient care, including first-hand testimony from UVA Health Geriatric Physician Laurie Archbald-Pannone, MD, MPH.
Mental and Behavioral Health and Telehealth
The pressures of work, relationships, and societal factors can impact our mental well-being significantly, sometimes more than we realize. Tools like telehealth are helping address mental health care accessibility and providing support to those in need.
- The Virginia Telemental Health Initiative is a first-of-its-kind statewide virtual free mental health clinic and workforce development program that expands access to mental health services for un- and under-insured individuals across the Commonwealth in collaboration with Virginia’s free and charitable clinics and pre-licensed mental health providers in the process of completing licensure.
- The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has curated available research, data, and resources to inform providers looking to use telehealth technologies for behavioral telehealth on its website here.
- Telehealth for Substance Use Disorder is a best-practices guide from the Department of Health and Human Services (Telehealth HHS). It offers strategies and information to help providers get started on integrating telehealth into substance use disorder treatment.
Addressing Lack of Broadband and Technology
The digital divide is a significant barrier to telehealth in rural and underserved localities. Limited broadband access, outdated technology, and inadequate digital literacy can hinder the effectiveness of telehealth.
- National Telehealth Resource Center Partners offers information on the list of 12 regional Telehealth Resource Centers (TRC) across the nation that focus on implementing telehealth programs for rural and underserved communities.
- Advancing Rural and Small-Town Health Care highlights the work of the Select Committee for Rural and Small-Town Health Care in Virginia with insights from Delegates Amy Laufer and Mark Sickles.
- The Rural Telehealth Toolkit from the Rural Health Information Hub compiles resources and evidence-based models to support organizations in identifying and implementing telehealth programs in rural communities across the United States.
Racial Disparities and Telehealth
Racial disparities in health care are deeply ingrained, and telehealth is not immune to these biases. Despite the potential to increase access to care, telehealth can perpetuate existing disparities if not designed and implemented with equity in mind.
- In “Cultivating Inclusive Telehealth Experiences for Patients with Different Backgrounds,” Schliqua Thompson, LPC shares how CrossOver Healthcare Ministry is cultivating inclusive telehealth experiences for patients by prioritizing training for cultural humility and responsiveness and best practices for increasing access to virtual care.
- Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Resources from the Association of American Medical Colleges offers a list of resources for advancing health equity through telehealth, anti-racism resources, education, trainings, and DEI competencies.
- “Approaching Equity in Your Practice” provides information for implementing equitable initiatives in your practice including key insights from Karena Heyward, Ph.D., LPC, ACS, VTMHI clinical supervisor and Head to Heart LLC counselor and consultant.
- Telehealth for American Indian and Alaska Native communities is a guide by the Department of Health and Human Services that breaks down the needs and procedures for a telehealth program geared toward American Indian and Alaska Native populations.
For more content and resources that aim to equip providers across the Commonwealth with tools, education, and best practices for meeting all needs of patients via telehealth, visit https://www.ehealthvirginia.org/equity-telehealth/.