Enhancing Telehealth Accessibility for Older Adults
Telehealth has become vital in improving healthcare access for older adults, particularly in underserved areas. The 4M framework - focusing on Medication, Mentation, and What Matters - Provides a structured approach to delivering patient-centered care.
A study conducted with 214 older patients at a Nevada Urban primary care facility assessed the impact of the 4M-based model in telehealth services, comparing trained and non-trained physicians. Key findings revealed racial disparities in telehealth utilization, with Hispanic and Asian patients having lower access compared to white patients
Key Findings:
- Telehealth utilization did not significantly reduce hospital or emergency visits overall.
- Components of the 4M framework focusing on What Matters and Medication showed potential in reducing hospital admissions.
Recommendations:
- To improve telehealth access for minority groups, targeted training programs for healthcare providers are essential.
- Policies that enhance reimbursement for telehealth services can facilitate greater utilization and address disparities.
The successful integration of the 4M framework in telehealth can enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes for older adults, particularly in addressing barriers faced by underserved populations.