Telehealth Services Research Articles

Predictors of telehealth use after the Minnesota Telehealth Act: analysis using the Minnesota All Payer Claims Database.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government and many state governments instituted expanded coverage for telehealth (TH) services and since have maintained it. Using data from the Minnesota All Payer Claims Database and publicly available data sources, we examined TH use among commercially insured and Medicare Advantage (MA) patients in Minnesota. In 2022, 30.4% of commercially insured patients and 24.4% of MA patients used TH services. Living in a metropolitan area, an area with a high proportion of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color residents, having greater disease burden, and being younger were associated with a greater likelihood of using TH. Living in an area with limited broadband access reduced the likelihood of TH use. Two patient subgroups more likely to use TH-younger patients in metropolitan areas and high-risk patients with depression-received a similar proportion of ambulatory visits via TH.

Resources to Support Canadian Nurses to Deliver Virtual Care: Environmental Scan.

Regulatory and professional nursing associations have an important role in ensuring that nurses provide safe, competent, and ethical care and are capable of adapting to emerging phenomena that influence society and population health needs. Telehealth and more recently virtual care are 2 digital health modalities that have gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth refers to telecommunications and digital communication technologies used to deliver health care, support health care provider and patient education, and facilitate self-care. Virtual care facilitates the delivery of health care services via any remote communication between patients and health care providers and among health care providers, either synchronously or asynchronously, through information and communication technologies. Despite nurses' adaptability to delivering virtual care, many have also reported challenges. This study aims to describe resources about virtual care, digital health, and nursing informatics (ie, practice guidelines and fact sheets) available to Canadian nurses through their regulatory and professional associations. An environmental scan was conducted between March and July 2023. The websites of nursing regulatory bodies across 13 Canadian provinces and territories and relevant nursing and a few nonnursing professional associations were searched. Data were extracted from the websites of these organizations to map out educational materials, training opportunities, and guidelines made available for nurses to learn and adapt to the ongoing digitalization of the health care system. Information from each source was summarized and analyzed using an inductive content analysis approach to identify categories and themes. The Virtual Health Competency Framework was applied to support the analysis process. Seven themes were identified: (1) types of resources available about virtual care, (2) terminologies used in virtual care resources, (3) currency of virtual care resources identified, (4) requirements for providing virtual care between provinces, (5) resources through professional nursing associations and other relevant organizations, (6) regulatory guidance versus competency in virtual care, and (7) resources about digital health and nursing informatics. Results also revealed that practice guidance for delivering telehealth existed before the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was further expanded during the pandemic. Differences were noted across available resources with respect to terms used (eg, telenursing, telehealth, or virtual care), types of documents (eg, guideline vs fact sheet), and the depth of information shared. Only 2 associations provided comprehensive telenursing practice guidelines. Resources relative to digital health and nursing informatics exist, but variations between provinces were also noted. The use of telehealth and virtual care services is becoming mainstream in Canadian health care. Despite variations across jurisdictions, the existing nursing practice guidance resources for delivering telehealth and virtual care are substantial and can serve as a beginning step for developing a standardized set of practice requirements or competencies to inform nursing practice and the education of future nurses.

Veterinary students' perceptions toward incorporating and expanding telehealth service delivery knowledge in curricula and future practice: a cross-sectional study.

Telehealth is the use of technology to deliver medical services. Potential uses among veterinarians include consulting with specialists about complicated cases, sending in electronic prescriptions, or meeting with clients to discuss patient health. Although the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic posed many challenges to the veterinary profession, it accelerated the adoption of telehealth among veterinarians. As many of these changes took place quickly in response to the pandemic, many of those in practice did not receive much training or guidance; therefore, this study explores veterinary students' perceptions regarding incorporating telehealth into the veterinary curriculum and the utilization of telehealth in the future. An email survey was sent to students at a veterinary school. 80 students provided answers to the 11-question survey. Nearly 80% reported that it is either "important" or "very important" to incorporate telehealth training into the veterinarian curriculum, whereas almost 90% indicated that they would benefit from more telemedicine training prior to graduation. Almost 75% of participants had legal and malpractice concerns, which may present a barrier to using the technology upon graduation. This study suggests that veterinary schools should explore how to incorporate telehealth training into their curriculum, especially in regard to navigating the potential pitfalls that may be encountered when employing telehealth within the context of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Telehealth is a valuable tool, and its use has become commonplace. Educational programs that emphasize telehealth will better equip future clinicians to manage the nuances of this modality in practice.

Comparison of Use Rates of Telehealth Services for Substance Use Disorder During and Following COVID-19 Safety Distancing Recommendations: Two Cross-Sectional Surveys.

The COVID-19 social distancing guidelines resulted in a dramatic transition to telephone and video technologies to deliver substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Before COVID-19, the question was "Will telehealth ever take hold for SUD services?" Now that social distancing guidelines have been lifted, the question is "Will telehealth remain a commonly used care modality?" The principal purpose of this investigation was to examine the extent to which telehealth use in SUD service settings persisted following the lifting of COVID-19 safety distancing recommendations. Additionally, the study aimed to explore practitioners' perceptions of telehealth convenience and value after its regular implementation during the pandemic. Specifically, the goal of this study was to compare telehealth activity between time intervals: May-August 2020 (during peak COVID-19 safety distancing recommendations) and October-December 2022 (following discontinuation of distancing recommendations). Specifically, we compared (1) telehealth technologies and services, (2) perceived usefulness of telehealth, (3) ease of use of telephone- and video-based telehealth services, and (4) organizational readiness to use telehealth. An online cross-sectional survey consisting of 108 items was conducted to measure the use of telehealth technologies for delivering a specific set of SUD services in the United States and to explore the perceived readiness for use and satisfaction with telephonic and video services. The survey took approximately 25-35 minutes to complete and used the same 3 sets of questions and 2 theory-driven scales as in a previous cross-sectional survey conducted in 2020. Six of 10 Regional Addiction Technology Transfer Centers funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration distributed the survey in their respective regions, collectively spanning 37 states. Responses of administrators and clinicians (hereafter referred to as staff) from this 2022 survey were compared to those obtained in the 2020 survey. Responses in 2020 and 2022 were anonymous and comprised two separate samples; therefore, an accurate longitudinal model could not be analyzed. A total of 375 staff responded to the 2022 survey (vs 457 in 2020). Baseline organizational characteristics of the 2022 sample were similar to those of the 2020 sample. Phone and video telehealth utilization rates remained greater than 50% in 2022 for screening and assessment, case management, peer recovery support services, and regular outpatient services. The perceived usefulness of phone-based telehealth was higher in 2022 than in 2020 (mean difference [MD] -0.23; P=.002), but not for video-based telehealth (MD -0.12; P=.13). Ease of use of video-based telehealth was perceived as higher in 2022 than in 2020 (MD-0.35; P<.001), but no difference was found for phone-based telehealth (MD -0.12; P=.11). From the staff's perspective, patients had greater readiness for using telehealth via phone than video, but the staff perceived their personal and organizational readiness for using telehealth as greater for video-based than for phone-based telehealth. Despite lower telephone and video use in 2022 for telehealth services than in 2020, both modalities continue to be perceived positively. Future research may further determine the relative cost and clinical effectiveness of video-based services and thereby help to address some sources of the noted challenges to implementation by SUD organizations.

Crossroads of Care: A Black Social Worker’s Insights into the Lives of Black Men from Adolescence to Adulthood

ABSTRACT This autoethnographic study, “Crossroads of Care: A Black Social Worker’s Insights into the Lives of Black Men from Adolescence to Adulthood,” explores the intersections of race, education, and mental health throughout the life course of Black men. Drawing on varied professional and personal experiences – from providing telehealth services for college students to being a resource within a predominantly Black high school – the research illuminates systemic barriers and profound effects of marginalization and isolation. Emphasizing evidence-based social work interventions and culturally relevant care, the study underscores the importance of narrative therapy and self-disclosure in addressing Black men’s multifaceted needs. The findings contribute to discussions on racial equity in mental health and education, offering actionable recommendations for practitioners, policymakers, and educators to strengthen support systems. Advocating for a comprehensive care model, this research endeavors to empower Black men across various life milestones, enhancing well-being by addressing the complexities of race, education, and mental health.

Knowledge, perceived benefits, perceived concerns, and predisposition to use telehealth services in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundTelehealth services are essential to expand healthcare coverage for all in the era of modern technology. Knowledge, willingness, and involvement with the service are also significantly important in the utilization of the service. This study investigated factors associated with knowledge, perceived benefits, perceived concerns, and predisposition to use telehealth services in Bangladesh. This web-based survey was conducted among 1266 adults in Bangladesh. Respondents were enrolled by following a convenience sampling technique.ResultsDemographic, telehealth service, and perceived health related information were significantly associated with respondents’ knowledge, perceived benefits, perceived concerns, and predispositions. The knowledge was significantly positively correlated with the perceived benefit (p <0.05) and predisposition of telehealth (p <0.05). Albeit, knowledge was significantly negatively correlated with perceived concerns of telehealth (p <0.05).ConclusionThe findings of the study may assist policymakers in implementing telehealth services by addressing the associated factors of knowledge, perceived benefits, perceived concerns, and predispositions.

Factors critical for the successful delivery of telehealth to rural populations: a descriptive qualitative study

BackgroundThe use of telehealth has proliferated to the point of being a common and accepted method of healthcare service delivery. Due to the rapidity of telehealth implementation, the evidence underpinning this approach to healthcare delivery is lagging, particularly when considering the uniqueness of some service users, such as those in rural areas. This research aimed to address the current gap in knowledge related to the factors critical for the successful delivery of telehealth to rural populations.MethodsThis research used a qualitative descriptive design to explore telehealth service provision in rural areas from the perspective of clinicians and describe factors critical to the effective delivery of telehealth in rural contexts. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinicians from allied health and nursing backgrounds working in child and family nursing, allied health services, and mental health services. A manifest content analysis was undertaken using the Framework approach.ResultsSixteen health professionals from nursing, clinical psychology, and social work were interviewed. Participants mostly identified as female (88%) and ranged in age from 26 to 65 years with a mean age of 47 years. Three overarching themes were identified: (1) Navigating the role of telehealth to support rural healthcare; (2) Preparing clinicians to engage in telehealth service delivery; and (3) Appreciating the complexities of telehealth implementation across services and environments.ConclusionsThis research suggests that successful delivery of telehealth to rural populations requires consideration of the context in which telehealth services are being delivered, particularly in rural and remote communities where there are challenges with resourcing and training to support health professionals. Rural populations, like all communities, need choice in healthcare service delivery and models to increase accessibility. Preparation and specific, intentional training for health professionals on how to transition to and maintain telehealth services is a critical factor for delivery of telehealth to rural populations. Future research should further investigate the training and supports required for telehealth service provision, including who, when and what training will equip health professionals with the appropriate skill set to deliver rural telehealth services.

Levels of Telehealth Use, Perceived Usefulness, and Ease of Use in Behavioral Healthcare Organizations After the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The use of telehealth in behavioral healthcare increased significantly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and remains high even as a return to in-person care is now feasible. The use of telehealth is a promising strategy to increase access to behavioral healthcare for underserved and all populations. Identifying opportunities to improve the provision of telehealth is vital to ensuring access. An online survey about the current use of, and attitudes toward, telehealth was conducted by five Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) regional centers and the MHTTC Network Coordinating Office. The national MHTTC network provides training and technical assistance, to support the behavioral health workforce to implement evidence-based treatments. Three hundred and sixty-five respondents from 43 states and Puerto Rico participated. The majority of respondents were clinical providers (69.3%). Nearly all (n = 311) respondents reported providing at least one telehealth service at their organization, but the number and type of services varied substantially. Respondents had positive views of both video-based and phone-based services, but most had some preference for video-based telehealth services. Other services, including text message reminders, medication services, and mobile apps for treatment or recovery, were offered via telehealth by ~ 50% or fewer of respondents' organizations. Many organizations have areas where they could expand their telehealth use, allowing them to extend the reach of their services and increase access for populations that experience barriers to service access, though organizational barriers may still prevent this.

A retrospective analysis of e-prescriptions for non-communicable diseases on a telehealth platform in Malaysia

BackgroundThe management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has benefited from telehealth services. As these services which include teleconsultation services and e-prescriptions are relatively new in Malaysia, the data generated provide an unprecedented opportunity to study medication use patterns for the management of NCDs in the country. We analyze e-prescriptions from a local telehealth service to identify medication use patterns and potential areas to optimize medication use in relation to clinical practice guidelines.MethodsA cross sectional observational study was conducted by retrieving e-prescription records retrospectively from a telehealth service. 739,482 records from January 2019 to December 2021 were extracted using a designated data collection form. Data cleaning, standardization and data analysis were performed using Python version 3.11. The diagnoses were classified according to the International Classification of Disease 10 (ICD-10), while medications were classified using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) system. Diagnoses, frequency of use for medication classes and individual medications were analyzed and compared to clinical practice guidelines.ResultsThe top five NCD diagnoses utilized by the service were hypertension (37.7%), diabetes mellitus (25.1%), ischemic heart disease (24.3%), asthma (14.4%), and dyslipidemia (11.7%). Medications were prescribed mostly in accordance with guideline recommendations. However, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) were significantly more frequently prescribed compared to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs). Several medication classes appeared underutilized, including ACEIs in hypertensive patients with diabetes or ischemic heart disease, sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in diabetic patients with ischemic heart disease, and metformin in patients with diabetes.ConclusionsTelehealth services are currently being utilized for the management of NCDs. Medication use for the management of NCDs through these services are mostly in accordance with guideline recommendations, but there exist areas that would warrant further investigation to ensure optimal clinical and economic outcomes are achieved.

Experiences of family carers supporting older people within the last year of life in rural and remote areas in the UK.

In the UK, a large proportion of older adults live in rural/remote locations. More people are dying at home and require care from their families. Little is known about the experiences of family carers of older people in rural/remote areas in the last year of life. To explore the experiences of current and bereaved family carers who support/ed an older person in a rural area in the UK towards the end-of-life. Qualitative methodology using semi-structured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis methods. Interviews were conducted with family carers of rural/remote-dwelling older people in the last year of life. Participants were recruited through national support services, third sector organisations and social media. Interviews were conducted with 20 family carers. Most were female (n = 17) and aged 52-80years. Family carers experienced difficulties in accessing health and social care in rural/remote areas due to workforce and skills shortages within their regions. The wider community helped with practical tasks and made carers feel less alone. Community-based services, such as day care, helped to provide respite for carers and promoted meaningful activity and social inclusion for older people. Although internet access was problematic, family carers gained support remotely via social media and telehealth services. Family carers of older people in the last year of life in rural/remote areas value support from the wider community. Further work is required to understand how Public Health approaches to palliative care and workforce distribution can support rural/remote carers and older people.

Development and Validation of a Malay Version Questionnaire to Evaluate Remote Health Monitoring of COVID-19 via Telehealth Applications: Navigating Telehealth Evolution.

Introduction The rapid adoption of telehealth services due to the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the necessity for effective tools to evaluate patient experiences. This study developed and validated the Telehealth Usability, Acceptability, and Satisfaction Questionnaire (TUASQ) for virtual COVID-19 Assessment Centres (CACs) in Malaysia, aiming to comprehensively measure usability, acceptability, and satisfaction. Methodology The TUASQ was developed in two phases. Initially, the questionnaire development phase included item generation guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Health Belief Model (HBM), with feedback from a panel of six experts. Items were refined through Content Validity Index (CVI) - Item-Level Content Validity Index (I-CVI) ≥ 0.82, Scale-Level Content Validity Index (S-CVI) ≥ 0.82, and Content Validity Ratio (CVR ≥ 0.78); and Face Validity Index (FVI) by 10 respondents - Item-Level Face Validity Index (I-FVI) ≥ 0.82and Scale-Level Face Validity Index (S-FVI ≥ 0.82). The psychometric validation phase involved a cross-sectional study of 705 respondents, recruited through convenience sampling from March to July 2024, to perform Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), followed by reliability testing using Cronbach's alpha, Composite Reliability (CR), and Average Variance Extracted (AVE). Results Content validation showed that most items' I-CVI exceeded 0.82, indicating significant expert consensus on relevance and clarity. The CVR also surpassed the 0.78 threshold, affirming their essential role. Face validation indices generally exceeded 0.80, confirming the questionnaire's clarity and comprehensiveness from the users' perspective. EFA with 250 participants indicated a high Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy (KMO) of 0.933 and significant Bartlett's test (χ² (136) = 3752.698, p < 0.001), supporting the factorability of the data and extracting three distinct factors. CFA with 455 participants initially showed a poor fit, prompting model adjustments that subsequently improved the fit indices (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.076, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) = 0.045, Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) = 0.94, Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.96, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.97). Reliability testing revealed a high internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha of 0.975. CR for each factor exceeded the 0.70 threshold, and the AVE for each factor was above 0.50, indicating good convergent validity. Conclusion The validated TUASQ is a reliable and effective instrument for assessing the experiences of Malaysian patients using virtual CAC. Demonstrating robust psychometric properties through comprehensive validation processes, the TUASQ accurately measures usability, acceptability, and satisfaction, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in telehealth services. This contributes to enhanced care quality and patient satisfaction in the evolving healthcare landscape.

Telehealth Infrastructure, Accountable Care Organization, and Medicare Payment for Patients with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Living in Socially Vulnerable Areas.

Background: Structural social determinants of health have an accumulated negative impact on physical and mental health. Evidence is needed to understand whether emerging health information technology and innovative payment models can help address such structural social determinants for patients with complex health needs, such as Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Objective: This study aimed to test whether telehealth for care coordination and Accountable Care Organization (ACO) enrollment for residents in the most disadvantaged areas, particularly those with ADRD, was associated with reduced Medicare payment. Methods: The study used the merged data set of 2020 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicare inpatient claims data, the Medicare Beneficiary Summary File, the Medicare Shared Savings Program ACO, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service's Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), and the American Hospital Annual Survey. Our study focused on community-dwelling Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged 65 years and up. Cross-sectional analyses and generalized linear models (GLM) were implemented. Analyses were implemented from November 2023 to February 2024. Results: Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries residing in SVI Q4 (i.e., the most vulnerable areas) reported significantly higher total Medicare costs and were least likely to be treated in hospitals that provided telehealth post-discharge services or have ACO affiliation. Meanwhile, the proportion of the population with ADRD was the highest in SVI Q4 compared with other SVI levels. The GLM regression results showed that hospital telehealth post-discharge infrastructure, patient ACO affiliation, SVI Q4, and ADRD were significantly associated with higher Medicare payments. However, coefficients of interaction terms among these factors were significantly negative. For example, the average interaction effect of telehealth post-discharge and ACO, SVI Q4, and ADRD on Medicare payment was -$1,766.2 (95% confidence interval: -$2,576.4 to -$976). Conclusions: Our results suggested that the combination of telehealth post-discharge and ACO financial incentives that promote care coordination is promising to reduce the Medicare cost burden among patients with ADRD living in socially vulnerable areas.

Multilevel Determinants of Long COVID and Potential for Telehealth Intervention.

Post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) syndrome, or long COVID, has a variety of symptoms, but little is known about the condition. This study evaluated the association between individual factors, social determinants of health, and the likelihood of long COVID by assessing internet usage as an indicator of viable access to telehealth. Data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey identified adults who (1) reported a previous COVID-19-positive test and/or diagnosis and (2) experienced long COVID. A 2-stage selection model predicted COVID-19 infection in the first stage and long COVID in the second stage. To test the potential use of telehealth, binary dependent variable regression evaluated internet usage among respondents with long COVID. About 40% (N=10,318) of respondents had tested positive/been diagnosed with COVID-19, but less than 20% of them (N=1797) had long COVID. Although older respondents were less likely to have COVID (odds ratio [OR]=0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.44, 0.53), they were more likely to experience long COVID (OR=1.63; CI=1.37, 1.93). Relative to White individuals, Black individuals were less likely to have COVID (OR=0.78; CI=0.69, 0.89) but significantly more likely (OR=1.21; CI=1.09, 1.64) to experience long COVID. Long COVID was also more likely among low-income earners (first income-to-poverty ratio quartile OR=1.40, CI=1.14, 1.72; second income-to-poverty ratio OR=1.37, CI=1.14, 1.64) and those without a college degree (OR=1.42; CI=1.01, 1.66). There were no statistically significant differences in internet access between racial, geographic, or income groups. Long COVID is significantly more likely among Black individuals and low-income households than among their counterparts, but with few recourses available, telehealth service delivery could be a feasible intervention mechanism.

Digital Health and Caregiving Resources Used by Family Caregivers of Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Caregiving is often associated with negative physical and mental health outcomes, and as the COVID-19 pandemic escalated, caregivers experienced more burden and provided more care with substantially less support. Digital resources may have been one way caregivers managed demands for care and needs for information. This mixed-methods study included surveys and semi-structured interviews with caregivers (n = 11) to describe experiences and use of digital health resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. Caregivers most often provided significant physical care and experienced reduced or no social support during the pandemic. Caregivers reported the need for improving the quality of telehealth services and digital health resources. COVID-19 will not likely be the last pandemic faced by contemporary society. Measures should be taken to reduce the anticipated negative impacts on caregivers and those receiving care during future pandemics.

Satisfaction of Patients and Physicians with Telehealth Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) posed significant challenges to healthcare systems, prompting the widespread adoption of telehealth to provide medical services while minimizing the risk of virus transmission. This study aimed to assess the satisfaction rates of both patients and physicians with telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Searches were conducted in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases from January 1, 2020, to January 1, 2023. We included studies that utilized telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic and reported satisfaction data for both patients and physicians. Data extraction was performed using a form designed by the researchers. A meta-analysis was carried out using random-effects models with the OpenMeta-Analyst software. A subgroup analysis was conducted based on the type of telehealth services used: telephone, video, and a combination of both. From an initial pool of 1,454 articles, 62 met the inclusion criteria for this study. The most commonly used methods were video and telephone calls. The overall satisfaction rate with telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic was 81%. Satisfaction rates were higher among patients at 83%, compared to 74% among physicians. Specifically, telephone consultations had a satisfaction rate of 77%, video consultations 86%, and a mix of both methods yielded a 77% satisfaction rate. Overall, satisfaction with telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic was considered satisfactory, with both patients and physicians reporting high levels of satisfaction. Telehealth has proven to be an effective alternative for delivering healthcare services during pandemics.

A pilot multicentre randomised clinical trial to determine the effect of a pharmacist-partnered opioid tapering intervention before total hip or knee arthroplasty.

Opioid analgesic use before total hip or knee arthroplasty has been associated with worse postoperative outcomes. This pilot study aimed to examine the feasibility of a telehealth-based pharmacist-partnered opioid tapering intervention before elective primary hip or knee arthroplasty and its potential effectiveness compared with usual care. This study was conducted at seven hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Eligible patients were those aged ≥ 18 years, scheduled to undergo primary hip or knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis and taking opioid analgesics pre-operatively. The intervention group participated in an opioid tapering telehealth service, a partnership between a pharmacist and general practitioner, for 3 months pre-operatively up to the day of surgery, while the control group received usual care. The primary outcomes of the study were to investigate the feasibility of the intervention (i.e. adherence to treatment) and potential effectiveness in decreasing baseline daily opioid dose by > 50% before surgery. Between December 2021 and June 2023, 70 patients were recruited and assigned randomly to the intervention group (n = 35) or control group (n = 35). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Thirty patients in each group completed their allocated treatment. All patients allocated to the intervention group completed at least one appointment with a pharmacist, with the median (IQR [range]) being 2 (1-4 [1-6]) appointments. The number of patients who successfully decreased their baseline daily opioid dose by ≥ 50% before surgery was 27/30 in the intervention group compared with 5/30 in the usual care group (p < 0.001). The findings of this pilot study support the feasibility of a telehealth-delivered, pharmacist-partnered opioid tapering service for patients scheduled for primary hip or knee arthroplasty. A broader multicentre study to examine the effectiveness of this intervention on clinical outcomes is warranted.

Attitude, Knowledge and Perception Among General Public About Tele-Manas Services in Delhi NCR

This study delves into the impact of the National Tele Mental Health Programme of India, known as Tele MANAS, on public access to and perceptions of mental health services in Delhi NCR. Despite India's rich history in mental health awareness, contemporary hurdles such as accessibility and stigma persist. Tele MANAS end eavours to tackle these challenges by offering integrated tele-mental health services across the nation. Through a cross-sectional study involving 207 participants, this research delves into public attitudes, knowledge and awareness regarding Tele MANAS. Findings reveal a notable demand for mental health services but a limited awareness of the program. Notably, social media and television emerged as primary channels for awareness dissemination. While attitudes toward Tele MANAS were generally positive, there remains a need for targeted outreach to engage neutral segments of the population. Analysis uncovered variations in demand, awareness, and perception, highlighting the necessity for tailored strategies. This research holds significant implications for improving Tele MANAS's efficacy and advancing mental health care in India. By understanding the current landscape and addressing gaps in awareness and access, Tele MANAS can better serve the populace, particularly in regions like Delhi NCR. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to destigmatize mental health issues and ensure equitable access to quality care for all individuals, regardless of background or demographics.

Mental health and telehealth quality perception: a mediation model analysis

Telehealth services have emerged as a revolutionary approach to healthcare delivery. However, patients’ perception of telemedicine is influenced by multifactorial factors, among which the relationship between mental health and telemedicine remains largely underexplored. Drawing from the Health Information National Trends Survey 6 (HINTS 6) data, this study seeks to shed light on this intricate relationship, especially examining the mediating effects of confidence in health management while considering the privacy concerns, technical challenges, and perception of isolation using the Hayes PROCESS macro model. We found that individuals with mental health challenges frequently feel isolated, face telehealth technical issues, and have heightened privacy concerns. These challenges influence their self-confidence in managing health, directly affecting telehealth service perception. Interestingly, while mental health and feelings of isolation are closely tied, isolation doesn’t directly impede telehealth quality perceptions. Instead, its impact is seen through its association with self-care confidence, emphasizing the need for holistic strategies in telehealth implementations that address both technical and psychological factors.

Protecting the mental health of healthcare workers in Pakistan using telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic

The role of telehealth and its effect on reducing mental health burden from COVID-19 is of pressing concern. It is pertinent that the psychological impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic must be recognized within the group of health care workers. Telemental health services are area that require imminent intervention for the support of health care workers in Pakistan, as they are applicable and practically feasible.

Telehealth Feasibility, Interest, and Satisfaction of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Living in the Veneto Region, Italy, During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction: Synchronous telehealth (ST) consists of the remote real-time delivery of health services. COVID-19 pandemic has pressed the use of ST and forced neurologists to deliver telehealth services. The aim of this study was to obtain the actual picture of ST accessibility/interest and to evaluate the user satisfaction in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study consisted of two phases. First, a hard-copy questionnaire ("Telehealth Identity Card" [TIC]), including only yes/no questions, filled in the presence of a neurologist, and investigating the technical/practical access and the willingness/interest of MS patients to the telehealth services, was obtained from 600 consecutive outpatients, with no time limit for answering. Second, a fully filled "Televisit Satisfaction Questionnaire" (TSQ) was obtained from 100 consecutive patients that underwent a televisit. Statistical analysis applied the t test for normally distributed variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for ordinal. Logistic univariate and multivariate regressions were applied to predict televisit availability on the base of demographic variables. Results: Statistical analysis was performed on 552/600 consecutive TIC (92%). Of them, 464/552 (84%) of the MS patients declared to possess the tools and to be interested in telehealth services. Compared with noninterested patients, they were younger (mean age: 44.0 vs. 49.8, p < 0.001) and with lower disability (mean Expanded Disability Status Scale: 2.5 vs. 3.3, p < 0.01). From TSQ, it emerged that 95% agree or strongly agree that televisit respected timelines, saved time and money, was conducted with respect to privacy, can be a useful tool for monitoring disease and therapy, and expressed their availability for further televisits. Discussion: A great majority of MS patients living in Padua Province were interested in telehealth. High satisfaction and the willingness for further televist were expressed. Telehealth services can help neurologists to manage the increasing number of MS patients and their complex therapeutic monitoring.