Telehealth Awareness Week highlights the benefits of online health services
Bowling Green, Ky. (September 17, 2024) - Connected Nation (CN) is celebrating the American Telemedicine Association’s fourth annual Telehealth Awareness Week. September 15-17 is a time to showcase how remote applications can improve access to health care for all Americans, particularly those in remote parts of the country and those who face challenges finding the time, transportation, and childcare to cover an in-person doctor’s visit.
This week will be marked by a variety of organizations hosting in-person and virtual events, educational resources, and stories from both patients and health care providers who serve those patients through telehealth applications.
CN released two studies in 2024 that highlight the benefits telehealth services can provide patients, as well as some of the concerns that prevent people from using telehealth applications.
One study in Northwest Colorado showed that nearly 3 out of 4 survey respondents (72%) had used some sort of telehealth service such as phone visits, email, or virtual visits through an online teleconferencing service.
Another study, in partnership with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, showed that most Tribe members (55%) know someone who had used a telehealth application, with younger respondents being more likely to know someone who has used these tools. Cultural and geographic differences exist between these two populations, but the consistent message is that people who used telehealth services had positive experiences with them, and telehealth saved them time, money, and unnecessary trips to the doctor.
While not every health care issue can be handled online, for many people, telehealth services can help remove barriers to accessing care. Travel time and expenses, childcare availability and cost, or lost time and wages at work should not prevent anyone from getting the essential health care they need.
CN’s research clearly shows the many benefits that telehealth can offer. Not only that, one survey found that only 1 in 3 respondents (34%) felt adequately aware of their telehealth options. That’s why it is so important to raise awareness about the many online services that are available.
We believe that telehealth is health, and that’s why we want to help spread the word. Awareness is the first step. These services can help ensure that safe, affordable, high-quality health care is accessible to all Americans, regardless of where they live.
To learn more about Connected Nation’s ongoing research into telehealth usage and barriers, be sure to visit our website or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or X (Twitter).
About the Author: Chris McGovern is the Connected Nation Director of Research Development. Chris works with Connected Nation staff and external stakeholders to develop research deliverables and provide critical analysis. He uses qualitative and quantitative techniques to interpret data, formulate reports, and make substantiated recommendations based on research findings.
