Telehealth Access of Geriatric Patients During COVID-19: A Provider Team Survey

Original Research

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the rise in the use of virtual healthcare through Telehealth. The importance of Telehealth is multi-fold, from communicating with patients virtually to providing care when in-person services are unavailable. Although this virtual platform has significant benefits, the geriatric population is underutilizing this resource. Our initial objective was to understand the perceptions of healthcare providers and their assessment of the comfort level and the utility of telehealth software for geriatric patients. We surveyed Geriatric specialists, Social Workers, Registered Nurses, and healthcare management team members regarding their perceptions of the rise and utility of telehealth before and after the pandemic. The survey was conducted in Northeast Ohio, specifically from Summa Health Akron City Hospital and the Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities. 72.7% of those invited completed the survey, specifically five (33.3%) were physicians. Additionally, we surveyed participants regarding patient capability and understanding of telehealth software. A large subset of participants using telehealth (69.2%) stated that their patients fell between “somewhat uncomfortable” to “completely uncomfortable” in utilizing telehealth. Regarding their use of blood pressure and glucose monitors, 76.9% felt their patients had a “medium comfort” level. Finally, 92.3% would find a volunteer service to help train patients and caregivers in the use of telehealth software and medical devices “extremely helpful.” These data demonstrate a perception among geriatric providers that patients have difficulties using telehealth. Our goal is to develop a student-led virtual program to better assist patients and providers in the use of telehealth modalities.