Framing eHealth Design on Critical Race Theory to Mitigate Barriers in Access to Healthcare

Abstract

The importance of telehealth applications reached a critical nature during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Telehealth allowed for a continuum of care while maintaining patient satisfaction during times of complete lockdown, quarantine, or isolation. The likelihood of a full audio-video telehealth visit for Black patients or those on Medicaid, however, was reduced. In fact, the Black patient population experienced two-times the rate of incomplete visits or telephone only visits compared to non-Hispanic White patients. Rivera et al. identified several significant barriers. Platform and portal designers must consider these barriers when creating telehealth tools. Framing the design on critical race theory can work towards equity in access to telehealth services.