Although telehealth was first introduced in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the adoption of telehealth in the past year has accelerated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay-at-home orders and fear of contracting the coronavirus drove many patients to seek virtual care rather than visiting their physician in person. A cohort study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open found that telehealth visits accounted for nearly a quarter of all interactions during the first four months of the pandemic
Providing convenience and safety, telehealth has momentum that will last beyond the pandemic, experts predict. However, there are limitations to telehealth in circumstances for which in-person visits are more appropriate due to urgency, underlying health conditions, or the requirement of physical presence to deliver a care service such as vaccinations. With this in mind, providers should consider using telehealth to their advantage to bolster vaccine compliance.
Using Telehealth as a Communication Tool
While vaccine appointments can’t take place online or over the phone, providers can use telehealth as a communication tool to enhance the patient experience. In a study published by Mayo Clinic Proceedings, results suggested video-based visits often lead to improved patient satisfaction. An open line of communication is crucial to developing a relationship with patients that is built on trust. Telehealth as a communication tool helps providers remain in contact with their patients, answer any questions patients may have, and keep patients engaged in their medical care.
In addition to reinforcing a strong provider-patient relationship, telehealth communication can further increase vaccine compliance by creating opportunities for providers to educate patients — a key to vaccine uptake. Telehealth also gives providers a chance to explicitly remind patients of which immunizations they need and help them plan when and where to receive them.
Reassuring Your Patients that the Office Is Safe
Establishing effective communication with patients is the first step; restoring confidence in patients that in-person visits are safe is the next, and most crucial, step to vaccine compliance. Patients may be anxious about returning to medical offices. Providers can ease concerns by sharing the safety measures and protocols in place at their practices.
As an additional safety measure, virtual waiting rooms can reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission by minimizing the amount of time they are physically inside the office. Additionally, with digital platforms, providers can streamline check-in and administrative tasks so that patients spend the least amount of time in the office as possible.
Considering Other Alternatives to the Office Visit
If patients still aren’t comfortable entering a practice, providers may want to consider outdoor options for vaccine appointments for greater accessibility and convenience. Research published in the INFORMS Journal on Applied Analytics found that people preferred the convenience of a drive-through vaccine clinic. A curbside or drive-through vaccination clinic provides an efficient method for providers to increase vaccine coverage.
Following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for planning curbside or drive-through vaccination clinics, providers should establish logistics and clinic flow. Providers also should prepare vaccines for storage and handling prior to setting up a drive-through clinic.
Telehealth has changed the healthcare industry profoundly and is becoming a permanent fixture in care delivery models. As telehealth continues to rise in prominence, providers can use telehealth to their advantage to supplement in-person visits, drive vaccine appointments, and ensure that all medical needs are met.