Video-to-home (VTH) telemedicine allows providers to conduct synchronous clinical encounters over secure video connections (eg, VA Video Connect, thera-LINK, doxy.me). VTH for mental health care has grown rapidly over the past decade due in part to advances in telehealth platforms and digital infrastructure, as well as the availability of smartphones. However, access to VTH is inconsistent geographically (rural and frontier communities), demographically (age, race, education), and institutionally (under-resourced health care systems). The rush to convert face-to-face to remote clinical encounters during the COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened disparities in VTH use. Older adults have become a population of particular concern—not only do they risk serious complications of the virus if they are exposed during face-to-face clinical care; but they are also less likely to use telemedicine for remote health care.
Access the full journal article in Advances in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health.
