Prior to COVID-19, Colorado anticipated working with a handful of health systems to explore how they might implement telehealth. As I’m sure may be similar in your states, our partners left exploration in a cloud of dust, moved lightning-fast through implementation, and they are now thinking about optimization. How do they continue to ensure their telehealth programs meet their clients’ needs?

In a meeting of service providers in September who were discussing how to increase participation in chronic disease self-management, one provider mentioned her mother’s relationship with telehealth. Does she have access to a patient portal and all the apps on her phone that are meant to help her manage her chronic disease? Yes. Can she use all of them proficiently? Well… not exactly.

Though telehealth can be an effective way to work with clients to manage blood pressure and get their readings, or to remind them to take their medication, it can be challenging for others who may not be well-versed in how to maneuver through portals and apps. It can also be overwhelming if there are too many. I came across the webinar from the Health Information Technology, Evaluation and Quality Center (HITEQ) on Telehealth Considerations and Strategies for Special and Vulnerable Populations and wanted to share it with you.

What resources or strategies have you found helpful in ensuring telehealth is effective for all communities?

Please send your thoughts and ideas to healthsystems@chronicdisease.org

Tara Trujillo, Cardiovascular Health Council Executive Committee

Webinar:

Telehealth Considerations and Strategies for Special and Vulnerable Populations

Thu, Oct 15, 2020 2:00 PM EDT

This webinar will focus on strategies to reach and serve special and vulnerable populations using telehealth. Special and vulnerable populations include Migratory, Seasonal, and Agricultural Workers (MSAW), Older Adults, people experiencing homelessness, people with limited english proficiency, and rural communities with limited access to broadband. It will discuss building the awareness, knowledge, and ability of both patients and health center staff to successfully use telehealth to meet the needs of these important groups. We will also be sharing how telehealth promotes health equity and increases overall access to quality healthcare for special and vulnerable populations.

This webinar is being presented through a partnership of four HRSA-funded National Training and Technical Assistance Partners: NCECE, NCFH, CSH, and HITEQ.

Registration link: https://globalmeetwebinar.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1365384&tp_key=e7ce945e39