Improving Usability, Sustainability of Telehealth in NHs During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Usability and sustainability of telehealth in nursing homes (NHs) can be improved by training, adaptation of work processes to support communication, and restructuring teams and tasks, according to researchers.

Study authors utilized a human factors model to examine the implementation of telehealth in NHs during the COVID-19 pandemic. A secondary analysis of data from a national survey of NH administrative leaders (N = 204) was conducted using a mixed methods design.

A total telehealth score ranging between 0 and 42 was calculated using 6 survey questions and researchers explored the change in telehealth over 2 consecutive years (2019-2021).

Results showed the mean telehealth score in year 1 was 12.11 (SD=9.85) and year 2 was 19.25 (SD=11.25). From year 1 to year 2 there was a significant difference in telehealth scores (t = 6.83, P < .000).

Higher telehealth scores were reported in year 2 compared to year 1 in 64% of NHs, but over 32% reported a decline.

“Qualitative analysis revealed facilitators of telehealth including training, use of integrated equipment, having staff present for the visit, and using telehealth for different types of visits,” wrote researchers. “Barriers included using smart phones to conduct the visit, billing, interoperability, and staffing.”

Study authors concluded further research is needed to assess whether the type of device used for telehealth is correlated to enhanced usability and improved resident outcomes.

Reference:
Powell KR, Winkler AE, Liu J, Alexander GL. A mixed-methods analysis of telehealth implementation in nursing homes amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. J Am Geriatr Soc. Published online August 30, 2022. doi:10.1111/jgs.18020