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Exploring Advantages and Challenges of Synchronous Video Telehealth
Telehealth has persisted as a critical care delivery option in the post-COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) landscape. Adoption and utilization of telehealth remain far higher than pre-PHE levels; however, this spike in telehealth use revealed the vast digital divide that prevents vulnerable communities from reaping the technology’s benefits.There are several types of telehealth, including synchronous video, asynchronous, and audio-only telehealth. Each type has unique advantages, use cases, and challenges. Here, mHealthIntelligence will explore synchronous video-based telehealth.Synchronous telehealth refers to live, real-time patient-provider interaction via audio-visual technology, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In this telehealth setting, patients communicate directly with their clinicians, enabling diagnoses, decision-making around treatment plans, and follow-up care. Synchronous video visits have proved beneficial for both patients and healthcare providers.For one, research shows video visits positively affect clinical care, particularly for those with chronic conditions.
Medigy Insights
Synchronous video-based telehealth can improve care delivery in numerous ways, but SDOH and other barriers impede the benefits linked to its use.For this study, researchers analyzed data for 696 children with acute illness who sought care at one of 15 rural and community emergency departments in northern California between November 18, 2015, and March 26, 2018. Survey after survey reveals that utilization of synchronous video-based telehealth varies across racial and ethnic groups. Data released by HHS in 2022 showed that White respondents reported having an overall telehealth use rate of 21.1 percent but had a higher proportion of video visits (61.9 percent) than audio-only (38.1 percent). A majority (92 percent) of physician respondents noted challenges related to conducting physical exams during video visits. In addition, 45 percent said creating rapport was harder during video visits than in person.Thus, as healthcare provider organizations continue to incorporate synchronous video-based telehealth into care delivery models, they must do so while breaking down telehealth access barriers and advancing health equity.
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