New research indicates that patients find clinician recommendations or requirements to be the most compelling factor driving them to seek and utilize telehealth services. The research, carried out through the nationally representative 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 6), aimed to analyse patient characteristics associated with telehealth use and the motivations driving individuals to opt for telehealth visits. The study aimed to offer detailed insights into the later stages of the change in healthcare delivery methods, particularly in response to the increased use of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Telehealth, characterized by audio or video synchronous visits, witnessed a remarkable increase, experiencing a reported 766% increase in the first three months of the pandemic among patients with private insurance. While the initial expectations were that older adults would particularly benefit from reduced exposure to the virus through telehealth visits, the study revealed the existing barriers, including limited digital literacy, access to technology, and disparities based on factors such as age, geographic location, race, and ethnicity. The study meticulously analyzed data from the HINTS 6 survey, focusing on 5,317 respondents who had experienced health care visits in the previous 12 months. The primary outcome under scrutiny was telehealth utilization, with respondents providing insights into whether they engaged in video, phone, or a combination of both modes. Complementary to this, the study also sought to understand the motivations behind telehealth use, categorizing them into five distinct factors, which includes clinician recommendation, convenience, avoiding infection, seeking medical advice, and including family or caregivers.
The results of the study revealed that telehealth use was influenced by a variety of factors. Females, individuals with higher education, those grappling with depression, and Hispanic respondents emerged as demographics more likely to engage with telehealth. The analysis uncovered that 39.1% of respondents had availed telehealth services, presenting a diverse picture across different age groups and demographics. A noteworthy finding was that 78.5% of respondents who had not yet utilized telehealth were, in fact, offered the option to do so, demonstrating the increasing availability and awareness of telehealth services. The study also explored the motivations behind telehealth utilization. Clinician recommendation emerged as a driving force, with 73.6% of telehealth users indicating this as a motivating factor. 65.7% cited convenience as a compelling reason, reflecting the growing importance of flexibility and ease of access in healthcare. Avoiding infection emerged as a considerable factor for 49.5% of respondents, with a particular emphasis on its significance for individuals dealing with depression and Hispanic patients. This understanding of motivations becomes key for policymakers, clinicians, and decision-makers as they shape telehealth practice and payment policies.
The study also importance of tailoring telehealth policies to consider the diverse reasons for its use, particularly as the public health emergency evolved. Considering this, the findings took on added importance, especially with 17 states mandating equal reimbursement for telehealth and in-person visits as of 2023. The study recognized the need for detailed approaches, considering the diverse nature of telehealth utilization. It highlighted the value of understanding the variations in telehealth motivations among different demographic groups, reinforcing the importance of patient-centered care. The study called for future research to delve even deeper into the quality, safety, and health outcomes of telemedicine. This future research should specifically focus on disparities in access and usage among older adults, individuals in rural regions, and historically marginalized groups. Policymakers and healthcare providers can work collaboratively towards creating inclusive and effective telehealth frameworks that cater to the diverse needs of the patient population by recognizing the evolving nature of telehealth utilization, ensuring equitable access and high-quality care delivery.
