Page 35 - Telemedicine - Essentials of Virtual Care Delivery Part One

SVMIC Telemedicine: Essentials of Virtual Care Delivery

provider’s responsibility to discuss the question of confidentiality

and identify who is in the room with the patient as well as the
provider. To do so, create simple protocols that team members

can follow at each stage of use. As one starts implementing this
technology, ask for on-the-ground feedback and adapt protocols

based on this.

Remember to partner for success. Change is hard for most,
which underscores the importance of communicating the

what, why, and how before the transition is implemented.
Additionally, create an inclusive dialogue and keep the lines

of communication open with staff and partner facilities. This
way, the implementation is seen as a team effort rather than an

imposed solution. Ultimately, any approach to telehealth needs
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to consider the needs of patients and of providers.

Telehealth Technology and Security Challenges

During the pandemic, the use of audio-only communication (for
example, a home telephone) is generally acceptable. Many of

the most vulnerable populations and those patients potentially
at-risk must either rely only on a telephone without video

capability or rely on a telephone which has the video capability,
but the patient is unable to use that capability. However, for

quality and patient-safety considerations, aim for the “highest
and best use” when it comes to technology available to the

patient. If a visit is limited only to an audio conversation, assess
the ability to adequately provide care on the front end to avoid

having to end the visit to refer for in-person care. The future
regarding audio-only telemedicine will depend on legislation,

state board policy, and even reimbursement. These remain
unclear. In time, health insurance plans may provide patients

18 https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/technologies-and-strategies-maintain-productivity-
during-telehealth-transition

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