Telehealth and Nursing Homes: 9 Takeaways from a Key Study

A recent study examined the adoption of telehealth in nursing homes during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, shedding light on its trends and effectiveness. Conducted by researchers from Harvard University, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, this comprehensive investigation encompassed data from over 4.4 million patients across more than 15,000 nursing homes. The findings reveal a notable surge in telehealth utilization early in the pandemic, likely driven by the urgent need to minimize in-person contact. However, this heightened usage was temporary and subsequently decreased from its peak levels. Access to psychiatric services remained limited, and the study underscores that virtual care did not lead to a significant increase in overall healthcare visits within nursing homes. These insights offer valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of telehealth within the nursing home sector and its impact on patient care.