Disparities in Telemedicine Access: A Cross-Sectional Study of a Newly Established Infrastructure during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study examined telemedicine utilization patterns for one healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic to determine if environmental, racial or ethnic, or other social determinants of health impact an individual’s access and usage of telemedicine. Results showed that older age, rural status, and lower socioeconomic status, as well as Asian, Black, and Hispanic ethnicities are most likely to be associated with a lower telemedicine use. Efforts toward digital literary outreach and distribution of telemedicine infrastructure are needed.

Resource Details

• Population: Adults Aged 65 and Older|Asian|Black or African American|Hispanic, Latino, or Latinx|People Experiencing Poverty
• Setting/Context of Implementation: Clinical
• Topics of Practice: Data Collection and Analysis
• Outcomes of Interest: Reduction of Health Disparities
• Level of Evidence: Promising
• Tools or Materials Included in Resource: No
• Social Determinants of Health: Education Access and Quality
• Outside of US: No