Trends in Use of Telehealth Among Health Centers During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, June 26–November 6, 2020

Demeke, Hanna B.; Merali, Sharifa; Marks, Suzanne M.; Pao, Leah Zilversmit; Romero, Lisa; Sandhu, Paramjit; Clark, Hollie; Clara, Alexey; McDow, Kendra B.; Tindall, Erica; Campbell, Stephanie; Bolton, Joshua; Le, Xuan Thi Thanh; Skapik, Julia L.; Nwaise, Isaac; Rose, Michelle A.; Strona, Frank V.; Nelson, Christina; Siza, Charlene

doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7007a3

Cited by 175 publications

(154 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…During the COVID-19 Emergency, CMS issued temporary measures to make it easier for people enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP to receive medical care through telehealth services during the duration of the Emergency. CMS eliminated geographic restrictions and enhanced reimbursement so that telehealth servicesenabled health centers could expand telehealth services and continue providing care during the pandemic (23). This shift in reimbursement policy during a public health emergency is a case study of a reconfiguration of time-limited policies.…”

Section: Benefits Of Using a Learning Health Policy Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Policy Implementation Science to Advance Population Health: The Potential for Learning Health Policy Systems

Abazeed

Chambers

2021

Front. Public Health

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Many health policies are designed with the intention of improving health outcomes for all. Yet implementation of policies are variable across contexts, potentially limiting its impact on population health outcomes. The potential impact of a policy to advance health equity depends both on the design and its implementation, requiring ongoing evaluation and stakeholder engagement. Despite the importance of health policies in shaping public health, health care policy implementation science remains underrepresented in research. We argue that enhanced integration of policy questions within implementation science could reduce the time lag from policy to practice and improve population health outcomes to build a body of evidence on effective policy implementation. In this commentary, we argue that approaches to studying policy implementation science should reflect the dynamic and evolving policy context, analogous to the “learning healthcare system,” to better understand and respond to systematic and multilevel impacts of policy. Several example opportunities for a learning health policy system are posed in building a broader agenda toward research and practice in policy implementation science in public health.

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Section: Benefits Of Using a Learning Health Policy Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Policy Implementation Science to Advance Population Health: The Potential for Learning Health Policy Systems

Abazeed

Chambers

2021

Front. Public Health

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“…Given rapid increases in the number of cases, many health centers have expanded telehealth visits. Approximately 95% of health centers reported that such visits were conducted during the pandemic [8]. A recent study conducted by Panicacci et al (2021) presented a case of existing telemedicine system that was updated with new features to monitor and provide care to high risk COVID patients in their homes.…”

Section: Background and Rationalementioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is important to note that health centers in the south and in rural areas reported the lowest usage of telehealth services over the period of 20 weeks when compared to urban areas. As COVID cases continue to increase, it is imperative to expand these services to limit exposure to the virus [8]. Telehealth programs can be successfully implemented in rural and remote locations, however, appropriate infrastructure issues such as reimbursement methods, access to internet, and licensure requirements still need attention [10].…”

Section: Background and Rationalementioning

confidence: 99%

A Case Study of Using Telehealth in a Rural Healthcare Facility to Expand Services and Protect the Health and Safety of Patients and Staff

Anderson

Singh

2021

Healthcare

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This case study aimed to gain an understanding of the implementation and usage of a telehealth program during the COVID-19 pandemic at a rural healthcare facility. An action research methodology, utilizing cycles of planning, implementation, review and adaptation was adopted to improve use of telehealth as COVID-19 cases continued to increase. Data was collected from literature review, examination of existing documents, review of gap and SWOT analysis, and examination of staffing plans. This helped in ensuring that adequate resources were in place to start and continue usage of telehealth. Additionally, review of the entire process was conducted as the program advanced through various phases of implementation. By conducting rigorous analysis and reflection, these data informed cycles of improvement in the telehealth program. Challenges surrounding the continuation and usage of telehealth have also been described. Because there is a paucity of research on the use of telehealth programs in rural healthcare facilities, especially during the pandemic, this study can provide practical tips to leaders and healthcare managers.

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“… 37 Compared to the same time in 2019, uptake and use of telehealth across the United States increased by almost 200% by the end of March 2020. 38 After years of being touted as the future of medical care, telehealth has quickly become the norm. 38 The rapid and successful expansion of telehealth to both urban and rural populations will likely change the landscape of health care in the United States permanently, 39 which is where future development of telehealth and mHealth apps for treatment of obesity can learn and benefit the most.…”

Section: What Can Be Learned From the Success And Failures Of Telehealth During Covid‐19 Pandemic In The Treatment Of Obesity?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Success and failures of telehealth during COVID‐19 should inform digital applications to combat obesity

Vasselli

Juray

Trasino

2021

Obesity Science & Practice

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Background In response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, telehealth digital applications (apps) permitted the delivery of health care to millions of individuals, including those with poor access to health services. Aim To review a body of evidence demonstrating that telehealth and mobile health (mHealth) apps can promote clinically meaningful weight loss, and thus hold potential to increase access to treatment and weight loss care for individuals suffering from obesity. Results Data from COVID‐19 pandemic revealed that access to telehealth and mHealth remains a challenge for underserved communities that are disproportionately affected by obesity. Conclusions The development of telehealth and mHealth for obesity treatment must be informed by the success and failures of telehealth during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Failure to do so, risks alienating the very populations that stand most to benefit from telehealth and mHealth apps for obesity treatment.

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Trends in Use of Telehealth Among Health Centers During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, June 26–November 6, 2020

Cited by 175 publications

References 5 publications

Policy Implementation Science to Advance Population Health: The Potential for Learning Health Policy Systems

Policy Implementation Science to Advance Population Health: The Potential for Learning Health Policy Systems

A Case Study of Using Telehealth in a Rural Healthcare Facility to Expand Services and Protect the Health and Safety of Patients and Staff

Success and failures of telehealth during COVID‐19 should inform digital applications to combat obesity

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