Telemedicine uses a web software or a telephone call to help connect doctors and patients remotely.
For example, some adults don’t have Internet-enabled devices, such as a computer or tablet.
Of those who do, many reported not knowing how to use the devices.
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“Many of my older patients did not know how to do this.”
Many of my older patients did not know how to do this.
The study also found dementia to be a potential barrier.
Caregivers can help older loved ones make a meaningful telehealth connection by addressing some of these barriers.
Higher rates of telemedicine unreadiness were found in specific patient groups.
Lack of Social Support
Social support can increase older adults telemedicine readiness.
Physicians feel telephone visits are not considered as effective as video visits.
It’s worth the effort to have a visit through video, if possible.
University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging.
doi:10.1377/hlthaff.2013.0997
Forrester.US Virtual Care Visits To Soar To More Than 1 Billion.
Jercich K.The Successes and Pitfalls of Using Telehealth for Home-Based Primary Care.
