Bridging the Telemedicine Gap Among Seniors During the COVID-19 Pandemic. (3rd May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Utley, Lynn M; Manchala, Grace S; Phillips, Mark J; Doshi, Chirag P; Szatalowicz, Victoria L; Boozer, Jennifer R
• Is Part Of: Journal of patient experience. Volume 8(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05-03
• Subjects: telemedicine -- telehealth -- COVID-19 -- access to care -- clinician–patient relationship -- geriatrics -- advocacy -- technology; Patient satisfaction -- Periodicals; Patient satisfaction -- United States -- Periodicals; Patient participation -- Periodicals; Patient participation -- United States -- Periodicals; Patient satisfaction; Patient participation; United States; 362.1068
• DOI: 10.1177/23743735211014036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2374-3735

Abstract

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many senior patients in the USC-Keck Family Medicine clinics were limited or lacking in telemedicine participation. Three factors contributed: lack of video-enabled devices, technological literacy, and/or absence of Wi-Fi connectivity. We addressed the first 2 of these factors. Via phone contact, 9 patients agreed to receive donated Android or Apple devices and to trial instruction manuals for use. Donated equipment and instructions were prepared and delivered in accordance with pandemic guidelines. Follow-up calls indicated that 4 participants were able to set up their devices and 3 of whom had connected with their providers. The remaining 5 participants had not set up their devices by the end of the follow-up period, had difficulty with device setup, accessing applications necessary for telemedicine, or had limited access to Wi-Fi. This project highlights some telemedicine barriers that senior patients may overcome with the additional support of care providers.