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Patients Often Lack Choice Regarding Care Via Telehealth
In a nationally representative study of 2071 adults in the US, researchers from RAND Corporation and Harvard University identified and interviewed 571 adults who used behavioral health services during the prior year, including 26 who had been treated for bipolar disorder or depression during February and March 2023.1 Patients were asked if they thought they had a choice of methods for conducting visits for medication and therapy services, and how the decision to use a particular method was made.
Approximately one-third of patients receiving medication or therapy saw clinicians who did not offer both telehealth and in-person care, 9% reported their clinicians only offered in-person care, and 22% said their clinicians only offered telepsychiatry. More importantly, 32% said they did not typically receive care via their preferred method, and nearly half (45%) did not think their clinician considered their preferences when deciding on the visit type.
Medigy Insights
In the realm of healthcare, as discussed in the article titled "Patients Often Lack Choice Regarding Care via Telehealth," senior healthcare leaders should recognize the importance of patient-centered care choices in the era of telehealth. The actionable guidance for senior healthcare leaders is to prioritize patient autonomy and choice in the utilization of telehealth services. Informed by patient preferences, leaders should advocate for policies that enable patients to select the mode of care delivery, whether in-person or via telehealth, when appropriate. This approach ensures that patients actively participate in shaping their healthcare experiences, promoting patient satisfaction and engagement. Moreover, healthcare leaders should invest in patient education and technology infrastructure to facilitate telehealth services. This empowers patients to make informed decisions regarding their care. By emphasizing patient choice, healthcare systems can achieve a patient-centered approach that not only adapts to the evolving healthcare landscape but also enhances patient satisfaction and overall healthcare outcomes.
Continue reading at psychiatrictimes.com
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