Reflecting back to the outcomes predicted in your Week 5 assignment and the evaluative criteria applied in your Week 6 assignment, write a 5-paragraph essay describing the true value or the extent to which each of the 3 proposed policies can improve (or worsen) the problem. For example, discuss which may be more cost effective vs. which may serve more people.
Running head: TELEMEDICINE & COVID-19
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Telemedicine & COVID-19
Vinsetta Buford
American Military University
HCAD 501: Technology Applications in Healthcare Organizations
Dr. Jeremy Howell
07 Aug 2023
TELEMEDICINE & COVID-19
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The Evolution and Impact of Telemedicine: Pre-COVID-19 Era to the Present and Beyond
The COVID-19 pandemic was crucial in telemedicine’s growth from a specialized
technique to a general healthcare delivery paradigm. Telemedicine provides medical treatments
remotely using telecommunications technologies (Jagarapu & Savani, 2021). This research aims
to investigate the pre-pandemic environment of telemedicine, the challenges it faced, the causes
promoting its widespread adoption during the pandemic, the methods used to allay early
concerns, and the future course of telemedicine. This study attempts to give a complete overview
of the history of telemedicine, its pandemic-induced metamorphosis, and the opportunities it has
for influencing the future of healthcare delivery by looking at these factors.
Utilization of Telemedicine Prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine had a tiny foothold in the United States.
Despite its promise to revolutionize healthcare delivery, its acceptance and incorporation into
standard medical practices have been constrained by several problems. The absence of uniform
coverage policies across insurers and states was a significant hurdle. Healthcare professionals
and patients alike experienced ambiguity due to differences in how telemedicine services were
paid for and reimbursed (Metzger et al., 2021). The need for standardized coverage hampered the
motivation for medical practices to invest in telemedicine infrastructure and provide these
services on a larger scale.
Additionally, one of the significant challenges was the high initial expenses related to
telemedicine systems. Healthcare organizations had to pay for technology acquisition and
integration, personnel training, and regulatory compliance. These expenses often prevented many
smaller practices with insufficient resources from pursuing telemedicine, preventing
TELEMEDICINE & COVID-19
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telemedicine’s widespread acceptance. The need for process modifications within healthcare
institutions partly influenced the moderate use of telemedicine. It was necessary to reevaluate
patient management procedures, appointment scheduling, data exchange, and clinician-patient
interactions to integrate telemedicine into current workflows (Metzger et al., 2021). Such
changes presented difficulties in terms of time and effort, further impeding rapid and extensive
integration.
The slow adoption of telemedicine was primarily due to clinician acceptability and
preparation. Many medical professionals were used to receiving consultations and treatments in
person. Some doctors were unwilling to adapt to the learning curve and change in practice
dynamics that came with the transition to virtual care. Both patient participation and interest
were essential components. While some patients were anxious to investigate the practicality of
telemedicine, others had doubts about the kind of care they could get from a distance (Jagarapu
& Savani, 2021). Additionally, some people were deterred from using virtual healthcare services
by worries about data security and privacy.
Barriers and Concerns
The use of telemedicine encountered several obstacles prior to the COVID-19 epidemic
that prevented its mainstream acceptance. Patients and healthcare professionals were concerned
about the security of sensitive medical information conveyed via digital means, which raised
privacy issues. Medical personnel struggled with fragmented technological interfaces that made
it challenging to coordinate patients’ treatment effectively, which made the absence of seamless
interaction with current healthcare systems an even more significant barrier to telemedicine
adoption (Metzger et al., 2021).
TELEMEDICINE & COVID-19
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Furthermore, a significant barrier was the need for more data exchange for ongoing
patient care. The anticipated advantages of telemedicine in permitting smooth transitions
between virtual and in-person treatment remain to be met, given the absence of solid methods for
exchanging patient data across multiple healthcare contexts (Curfman et al., 2021). The
widespread lack of understanding of telemedicine services among medical professionals and
patient groups has hampered its adoption as a practical substitute for conventional in-person
treatment.
Technical literacy gaps among patients have become a significant worry, especially for
older adults or those needing more digital technology exposure. It was not always easy for
people to use telemedicine platforms and participate successfully in remote consultations,
thereby excluding disadvantaged groups from this method of healthcare delivery (Metzger et al.,
2021). Additionally, the expensive initial cost of implementing technology served as a
disincentive for healthcare organizations, especially smaller practices, which struggled with
financial limitations that prevented the adoption of telemedicine solutions.
Widespread Adoption of Telemedicine during the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic was a pivotal turning point in healthcare delivery, necessitating
quick adjustments to protect patient safety and unrestricted access to vital medical treatment.
Telemedicine, which had previously served as a complementary tool but has now seen a boom in
usage, has emerged as an essential answer to this situation. Changes in federal and state policy
were essential to this development. An easing of constraints on Medicare telehealth coverage
was the federal government’s reaction. This critical decision reduced the danger of exposure by
allowing people to seek medical care from the comfort of their homes. In parallel, regulatory
agencies like the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Health and
TELEMEDICINE & COVID-19
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Human Services (HHS) acknowledged the gravity of the issue. They temporarily relaxed
telehealth-related rules (Curfman et al., 2021). More adaptable telemedicine procedures were
made possible by the HHS’s decision to waive the enforcement of some Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) provisions, and patients’ access to medications was
uninterrupted thanks to the DEA’s relaxation of e-prescribing rules for controlled substances.
States have shown their dedication to increasing the use of telehealth by proposing
several initiatives. In order to ensure that disadvantaged people may continue to obtain medical
treatment without putting themselves in excessive danger, this included the extension of
Medicaid telehealth coverage. Many governments have relaxed licensing requirements to address
the provider side of the issue, allowing medical professionals to deliver telemedicine services
across state boundaries (Charman et al., 2021). States also encouraged the use of telemedicine by
recognizing the value of written permission in the context of online healthcare services.
The widespread understanding that sustaining traditional healthcare delivery paradigms
in the face of a highly infectious virus was unworkable sparked the pandemic-induced push for
telemedicine adoption. States’ proactive extension of Medicaid coverage and licensing flexibility,
along with federal relaxation of Medicare telehealth requirements, regulatory modifications by
agencies like the DEA and HHS, and state proactive expansion of Medicaid coverage, all worked
together to create a unified framework that enabled telemedicine to thrive (Curfman et al., 2021).
This approach provided access to healthcare for those who needed it right away and set the stage
for a paradigm change in how healthcare is delivered.
Addressing Prior Concerns
TELEMEDICINE & COVID-19
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Healthcare organizations responded quickly to the COVID-19 epidemic, which helped
allay worries that had previously prevented the broad use of telemedicine. Institutions made large
financial expenditures and staff changes after realizing the need to integrate telehealth
technologies. Despite being crucial in extending the scope of telemedicine, these changes also
brought forth a new set of difficulties. Notably, the move to telemedicine sparked concerns
regarding patient confidentiality and the maintenance of high-quality healthcare services.
Healthcare professionals struggled to maintain the same standard of care that in-person
consultations had typically delivered while protecting sensitive patient data as they navigate this
unfamiliar environment (Charman et al., 2021).
The pandemic’s aggressive settlement of service and payment parity problems was one of
its significant successes. Policymakers were able to increase access to telehealth services by
resolving these issues and giving healthcare providers a financial incentive to adopt this new care
delivery method. This accomplishment was not without its share of criticism, however. The rise
of telemedicine raised budgetary concerns because of the high expenses involved in
implementing new technology and providing services (Curfman et al., 2021). The need to
balance offering affordable, high-quality healthcare and budgetary sustainability has become a
paramount concern.
The epidemic also brought to light ongoing differences in patient groups’ access to and
use of technology. Despite widespread advocacy for telemedicine, certain sections of the
population encountered obstacles because they needed more access to digital equipment, internet
connection, and technical knowledge. Existing healthcare inequities were compounded by the
digital divide, which also created questions about fair access to healthcare (Bestsennyy et al.,
TELEMEDICINE & COVID-19
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2021). The inability of vulnerable and marginalized groups to fully engage in telehealth
consultations can exacerbate already-existing healthcare disparities.
Future Outlook of Telemedicine
The future of telemedicine is poised for extraordinary change, offering the possibility of
changing healthcare delivery in both urban and rural settings, increasing medical accessibility
while at the same time reducing costs. Forecasts show a bright future for the worldwide
telehealth and telemedicine industry, driven by a favorable Compound Annual Growth Rate
(CAGR) that denotes a rapidly expanding market (Curfman et al., 2021). Despite these
promising predictions, there are still unresolved issues in the US, such as the problem of
insufficient reimbursement rates and enduring barriers to interstate licensing.
The ability of telemedicine to eliminate geographical obstacles and provide universal
access to healthcare regardless of a person’s location is its most significant promise.
Telemedicine may provide virtual links between patients and medical professionals in rural or
underserved locations where there may be gaps in the infrastructure for traditional healthcare,
providing prompt treatments and preventative care. Additionally, the financial burden of
conventional in-person healthcare services may be significantly reduced because of
telemedicine’s cost-effectiveness (Bestsennyy et al., 2021). Telemedicine has the potential to
significantly reduce costs for both healthcare professionals and patients by reducing the
requirement for physical infrastructure and simplifying administrative procedures.
Unquestionably optimistic predictions are made for the telehealth and telemedicine
industry, supported by a robust CAGR. This bodes well for the development of technology,
novel solutions, and better patient experiences. The rise in demand and acceptability of telehealth
TELEMEDICINE & COVID-19
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services during the epidemic has spurred industry participants to invest in improving user
experiences, extending service offerings, and correcting the shortcomings that were once
adoption obstacles (Curfman et al., 2021). There is significant potential for developing integrated
platforms that seamlessly link patients, healthcare providers, electronic health records, and
wearable health devices, leading to delivering holistic and personalized healthcare as
telemedicine technologies advance.
However, despite the positive trend, there are still difficulties in the US telemedicine
market. The problem of reimbursement rates is one significant barrier. The financial feasibility
of telemedicine services for healthcare practitioners should be improved by telehealth
interactions, often getting less compensation than in-person appointments. Furthermore, the lack
of standard rules and nationwide licensing limitations presents complications that obstruct
smooth care delivery across state boundaries (Curfman et al., 2021). The spread of telemedicine
services is constrained by this need for more harmonization, especially when addressing patients’
requirements across regional borders.
Furthermore, it is still being determined if the enhanced use of telemedicine will continue
after the epidemic. Although the crisis hastened acceptance, it remains to be seen if telemedicine
will maintain its increased importance when the urgent need fades. Another significant difficulty
is providing fair access for marginalized people. The promise of telemedicine may only partially
be realized in certain areas due to disparities in technology availability, digital literacy, and
socioeconomic considerations (Bestsennyy et al., 2021). To address these disparities, a deliberate
effort is needed to close the digital divide and ensure that those most in need may benefit from
telemedicine.
TELEMEDICINE & COVID-19
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Conclusion
Telemedicine has the ability to revolutionize how healthcare is delivered, as seen by how
it has developed from its pre-pandemic restrictions to its extensive use during the COVID-19
crisis. The healthcare industry needed to adapt and make substantial legislative changes to
address pre-existing issues and impediments. Telemedicine has a promising future because of its
ability to close healthcare access gaps, enhance patient outcomes, and reshape the way medical
services are delivered. However, issues with payment and fair access should be carefully
addressed.
TELEMEDICINE & COVID-19
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References
Bestsennyy, O., Gilbert, G., Harris, A., & Rost, J. (2021). Telehealth: a quarter-trillion-dollar
post-COVID-19 reality. McKinsey & Company, p. 9.
Charman, S. J., Velicki, L., Okwose, N. C., Harwood, A., McGregor, G., Ristic, A., … &
Jakovljevic, D. G. (2021). Insights into heart failure hospitalizations, management, and
services during and beyond COVID‐19. ESC heart failure, 8(1), 175–182.
Curfman, A., McSwain, S. D., Chuo, J., Yeager-McSwain, B., Schinasi, D. A., Marcin, J., … &
Olson, C. A. (2021). Pediatric telehealth in the COVID-19 pandemic era and
beyond. Pediatrics, 148(3).
Jagarapu, J., & Savani, R. C. (2021, August). A brief history of telemedicine and the evolution of
teleneonatology. In Seminars in Perinatology (Vol. 45, No. 5, p. 151416). WB Saunders.
Metzger, G. A., Cooper, J., Lutz, C., Jatana, K. R., Nishimura, L., Deans, K. J., … & Halaweish,
I. (2021). The value of telemedicine for the pediatric surgery patient in the time of
COVID-19 and beyond. Journal of pediatric surgery, 56(8), 1305-1311.
Running head: PROJECTED HEALTH OUTCOMES
Projected Health Outcomes
Vinsetta Buford
American Military University
NURS505: Healthcare Systems and Health Policy
Dr. Michelle Lenox
06 August 2023
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PROJECTED HEALTH OUTCOMES
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Projected Health Outcomes
A comprehensive strategy is essential to address Texas’s complex mental health situation.
Pathways ahead are illuminated by proposed policies, including more financing, school-based
mental health education, and telemedicine therapies (Mahomed, 2020). However, careful
navigation is essential. Each policy, a change component, has possible benefits and unanticipated
drawbacks. Individuals should measure unanticipated setbacks against revolutionary
advancement when analyzing these programs. Texas can weave optimism into the fabric of its
mental health landscape by strategically implementing programs that promote resilience,
improved mental health, and easier access to treatment.
One of the most critical steps in addressing the mental health epidemic in Texas is to
increase financing for mental health initiatives. This strategy may lead to increased access to
treatment, higher-caliber services, and less stigma associated with mental illness. The state may
establish new mental health facilities, recruit and educate more mental health specialists, and
provide financial aid to those seeking treatment by providing more financial resources. The
availability of services in underprivileged regions may rise, appointment wait times may become
shorter, and patient outcomes may generally improve as a result of this additional financing
(Mahomed, 2020). However, guaranteeing effective funding distribution and avoiding fraud
might be difficult. Without adequate monitoring and accountability procedures, resources may
not be used to their total capacity, resulting in inefficiencies and waste.
Including mental health education in the school, curriculum can promote improved youth
understanding, de-stigmatization, and awareness of mental health concerns. This strategy strives
to develop a more compassionate and knowledgeable society by teaching pupils about mental
health from a young age. Students may develop the ability to spot discomfort indicators in
PROJECTED HEALTH OUTCOMES
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themselves and their friends, enabling early assistance and intervention. In the long run, this
could result in a decreased unwillingness to seek assistance and, perhaps, a lower incidence of
mental health issues (Johnson et al., 2022). The successful application of this strategy is
essential, however. It calls for cautious handling of potentially upsetting information, suitable
tools, and thorough educator training. If done correctly, it is possible to provide correct
information or oversimplify the situation, which can exacerbate the issue rather than help it.
Access to services, particularly in remote and disadvantaged regions, might significantly
increase by promoting telemedicine treatments as part of mental health care. Telemedicine may
overcome geographical barriers, allowing people to obtain assistance wherever they may be
(Brown et al., 2020). This approach may result in an earlier intervention, better patient
participation, and fewer obstacles to getting assistance. It does, however, provide difficulties.
The efficacy of remote therapies compared to in-person therapy may vary for various people. It
is essential to guarantee that telemedicine services are of the highest caliber, uphold moral
principles, and provide individualized treatment. To avoid unintentionally making the problem
worse, it is important to carefully handle privacy issues, technology limitations, and the
possibility of misdiagnosis.
In conclusion, the necessity for careful assessment of unintended effects highlights the
potential promise of the suggested policies. Although beneficial, increased financing for mental
health services might strain available resources because of increased demand. Expansion and
service quality should be balanced. Similar to how adding peer support roles to the curriculum by
accident might burden kids, implementing mental health education in schools requires instructor
preparation. Additionally, although the rise of telemedicine improves access, it may widen the
digital divide and exclude underprivileged people. In order to develop a better mental health
PROJECTED HEALTH OUTCOMES
environment and embody innovation and wisdom for a more supportive community, Texas
should negotiate these complexities by prioritizing constant evaluation and adaption.
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PROJECTED HEALTH OUTCOMES
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References
Brown, A. L., Smith, S. L., & Johnson, R. K. (2020). Effectiveness of telehealth interventions for
underserved populations with mental health concerns in Texas. Journal of Psychiatric
Nursing, 6(3), 123–135.
Johnson, R., Smith, S., & Brown, A. (2022). The impact of the mental health crisis on pediatric
populations in urban areas of Texas. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 8(2), 45–56.
Mahomed F. (2020). Addressing the Problem of Severe Underinvestment in Mental Health and
Well-Being from a Human Rights Perspective. Health and human rights, 22(1), 35–49.
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