Date of Award

5-2022

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

Public Health

First Advisor

Yvonne Jonk

Second Advisor

: Melissa Skahan

Third Advisor

Gerard Dubois

Abstract

Telehealth is an effective method of communicating and visiting with your healthcare provider along with other redundant use of medical and professionals. Telehealth has become increasingly prevalent in the United States healthcare system over the past couple of years, particularly during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2019) (CDC) telehealth is “the application of electronic information and telecommunication technologies in support of and promotion of long-distance clinical healthcare and professional education in healthcare” (Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), 2020). A key component of reforming the U.S. healthcare system is the use of telehealth to improve patient outcomes, increase access to healthcare, and expand healthcare delivery options. Monitoring and treating ongoing medical conditions are the primary uses of telehealth. According to new research, monitoring and treatments include lab results, behavioral and mental health treatment including therapy, prescription management, follow-ups, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and others (Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), 2020). In research from Hasselfeld (n.d.), telehealth provides several benefits including the ability to limit transportation barriers, reduce the risk of transmission of Coronavirus, primary care and chronic condition management and improve convenience and accessibility, especially in rural geographic areas. Despite the benefits of telehealth and its rapid growth, telehealth is not suitable for every individual or every medical condition. As a result of rapid growth in telehealth over the past few years, the U.S. healthcare system lacks an assessment tool for providers to measure patients’ appropriateness and readiness to use telehealth.

Comments

First Community Partner: Northern Light Mercy Hospital Second Community Partner: Waldo County General Hospital; MaineHealth

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