Various Clinical Cases Fail to Benefit from Telehealth

A recent study conducted by the University of Texas at Austin sheds light on the nuanced impact of telehealth on healthcare delivery. While telehealth offers increased convenience, cost reduction, and enhanced access to care, its benefits are condition specific. Researchers from the McCombs School of Business at UT Austin applied process virtualization theory to analyze telehealth's effects on hospital-based outpatient clinics in Maryland from 2012 to 2021. The study revealed a 14 percent reduction in future outpatient visits within 30 days of a telehealth visit, resulting in $239 in savings per patient. However, the research indicates that some specialties, such as behavioral health, metabolic disorders, dermatology, and musculoskeletal issues, experienced benefits from telehealth, while others did not. Additionally, telehealth usage has been linked to increased after-hours work for providers, potentially contributing to clinician burnout. Despite its advantages, telehealth adoption encounters various barriers that can impede its overall benefits in the healthcare landscape.