HOW TELEHEALTH IS ENHANCING ACCESS AND ELEVATING CARE

In recognition of Telehealth Awareness Week, AHRQ is showcasing 20 Years of Impactful Telehealthcare Research from AHRQ’s Digital Healthcare Research Program, which covers the advancement of telehealth and our role in shaping it into its modern form.  AHRQ’s Digital Healthcare Research Program has long advocated for the use of technology to improve healthcare quality, safety, and access.  Telehealth, which ranges from virtual medical consultations to remote patient monitoring, serves as a crucial resource for both patients, caregiver, and providers.  It plays a vital role in ensuring healthcare delivery, especially in rural and underserved communities.  Below you will also find a sample of AHRQ-funded research that aims to improve care and health outcomes through telehealth.

Development and Implementation of the REmote Telehealth User-Reported caNcer Surveillance (RETURNS) Program for Lung Cancer

The ability to remotely collect and review signs and symptoms of lung cancer recurrence using patient-reported outcomes and results of surveillance imaging, coupled with telehealth visits, may improve surveillance guidelines adherence and reduce barriers and disparities in care.

TELE-TOC Telehealth Education Leveraging Electronic Transitions of Care for COPD Patients

Virtual visits with members of a pharmacy team can support patients recently discharged from the hospital with their medication use and improve outcomes among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients at high risk for readmission.

Patient Choice of Telemedicine Encounters

This research will provide evidence to inform emerging telehealth policies including reimbursement, technology adoption decisions, and real-world use by patients and providers.

To access our full portfolio of research focused specifically on telehealth, visit AHRQ Funded Projects.