The Challenges of Rural Telehealth
Rural telehealth has come a long way in recent years, but there are still many challenges that need to be overcome. Between lack of infrastructure and technology gaps, it can be difficult to provide telehealth services in rural areas. Patients in rural areas can often feel isolated and underserved, with frequent technical challenges only serving to make them more resistant to change. How do we make patients feel comfortable and valued when we are not face to face with them? With the right infrastructure, tools, and strategies in place, rural telehealth can be an incredibly valuable resource for both patients and providers.
Many rural areas lack high-speed internet access. However, there are a number of ways to overcome this challenge. One option is to use wireless technology, which can provide high-speed internet access to remote areas. While not perfect, it can provide enough access for phone calls, email, and web browsing. Thankfully, expanding cellular and satellite services are closing the physical distance between patients and nurses every day.
Patients in remote areas can also feel as though they are isolated and unable to receive care. Telehealth technology is helping to bridge the gap in multiple ways. First, telehealth can provide access to specialists who might not be available in-person. Second, telehealth can help patients connect with their care team and each other. This includes sending and receiving messages to doctors, remotely filling prescriptions, and sending photos and video to nurses for diagnosis. Remote patient monitoring has also become more widely accepted. Finally, telehealth can provide resources that patients might not have otherwise. A specialist can be consulted hundreds of miles away for ongoing care without the worry of travel. This is especially important for those with less mobility.
Ensuring that telehealth services are high- quality is a priority. Whether a patient calls in to their clinic with a question, leaves a voicemail for a nurse, or is on a video consultation with a doctor, how do we make sure patients are receiving the level of care they need and expect? If they are not satisfied, patients will be reluctant to use the services again and likely fall back to in-person visits. A recent study found that patients want telehealth services to be easy-to-use, have high-quality picture and sound, and be able to easily connect with their care team. Patients also want telehealth services to be confidential, convenient, and affordable. To make sure patients have a positive experience, telehealth providers need to make sure the system is user-friendly, staff are properly trained, and patients are comfortable using the technology.
Rural telehealth has the potential to provide high-quality care to underserved populations. However, there are a number of challenges that need to be overcome. With the right tools and strategies in place, telehealth can be an incredibly valuable resource for both patients and providers.
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