Telehealth in the 21st Century

Abstract

Abstract Telehealth is an essential tool to ensure that patients can safely access the healthcare services they need when they need them. The telehealth landscape rapidly evolved as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The nation has adopted telehealth rapidly as a result of COVID-19, requiring careful and ongoing reflection in order to transform—rather than build on—the current healthcare system to better meet not only patients’ needs but also gives providers the ability to provide holistic contextual care to all patients. Discussions centered on the digital divide have shifted to not only concerns about adoption, but also to implementation. This chapter presents two cases that explore nuances of telehealth services. The first case study introduces the possibilities of telehealth with an example of remote assessment of an acute complaint through a video visit, touching on medico-legal considerations of care across state lines and the benefits of continuity of care. The second case study explores some risks introduced by telehealth, such as the digital divide and structural determinants of health, providing care in the absence of vital signs, interprofessional care, and design justice. Through these two in-depth case studies, topics around implementation, stakeholders, policy, and equity are addressed.