Document Type
Poster Session
Department
Geographic Information Systems
Faculty Mentor
Matthew Bampton, PhD
Abstract
Telehealth is the delivery of health services through electronic or telecommunication mediums, and is becoming an important means for the delivery of healthcare. In this study, we assessed the current state of Telehealth coverage in Maine. The availability of Telehealth services at Maine Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) was examined, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify regions most lacking services. We researched availability of specific services at the FQHCs such as Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), Behavioral Health, Dental and Geriatric care. Healthcare provider shortage areas and demographics that may especially benefit from Telehealth services were mapped. Internet coverage and speeds in Maine were also mapped to determine internet capacity at FQHC locations. The results of the analysis on Telehealth availability in Maine can be grouped into three general categories: Access, Demand and Capacity. If all of Maine's 96 FQHCs offered Telehealth services, Maine's residents, particularly those in underserved areas, would have better access to a wide range of healthcare services. We concluded that FQHC resources are already deployed in regions that have been identified as shortage areas for medical professionals and healthcare in general. Thus, increased use of Telehealth has the potential to play a key role in providing access to care in areas of high demand.
Open Access?
1
Assessing Telehealth in Maine using GIS
Telehealth is the delivery of health services through electronic or telecommunication mediums, and is becoming an important means for the delivery of healthcare. In this study, we assessed the current state of Telehealth coverage in Maine. The availability of Telehealth services at Maine Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) was examined, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify regions most lacking services. We researched availability of specific services at the FQHCs such as Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), Behavioral Health, Dental and Geriatric care. Healthcare provider shortage areas and demographics that may especially benefit from Telehealth services were mapped. Internet coverage and speeds in Maine were also mapped to determine internet capacity at FQHC locations. The results of the analysis on Telehealth availability in Maine can be grouped into three general categories: Access, Demand and Capacity. If all of Maine's 96 FQHCs offered Telehealth services, Maine's residents, particularly those in underserved areas, would have better access to a wide range of healthcare services. We concluded that FQHC resources are already deployed in regions that have been identified as shortage areas for medical professionals and healthcare in general. Thus, increased use of Telehealth has the potential to play a key role in providing access to care in areas of high demand.
