PHI news
For many rural populations, telemedicine has proven to be an important avenue for receiving timely professional medical care, especially for older adults who lack access to geriatricians in their rural communities. This study examines the perceived benefits of a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) geriatric telemedicine service (GRECC Connect) among rural, elderly patients and their caregivers. Researchers found patients and caregivers alike to be largely satisfied with GRECC Connect. Some patients expressed concerns around the validity of certain diagnoses (Alzheimer’s for example) that were determined based on several questions asked virtually. For many study subjects, though, participation in the geriatric telemedicine service provided increased knowledge and confidence for both patients and their caregivers, and positive impacts on patient health, particularly concerning sleeping, were reported. These results point to the potential success of these virtual health service models across rural areas.
Resource Details
- Population: Adults Aged 65 and Older|People Living in Rural Areas
- Geographic Areas of Implementation: Rural
- Setting/Context of Implementation: Clinical|Community
- Topics of Practice: Outreach/ Education/ Communications
- Outcomes of Interest: Partnership Building|Reduction of Health Disparities
- Level of Evidence: Best
- Tools or Materials Included in Resource: No
- Social Determinants of Health: Healthcare Access and Quality|Social and Community Context
- Outside of US: No