National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
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- Chronic Conditions (1)
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AHRQ Research Studies
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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
Results
1 to 5 of 5 Research Studies DisplayedHsueh L, Huang J, Millman AK
Cross-sectional association of patient language and patient-provider language concordance with video telemedicine use among patients with limited English proficiency.
The surge in telemedicine use during the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need to address gaps in patient care, particularly for individuals with limited English proficiency. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between patient language, patient-provider language alignment, and the type of telemedicine visit (video or phone consultation). The researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis using automated data from primary care telemedicine appointments scheduled between March 16, 2020, and October 31, 2020 within a comprehensive healthcare delivery system in Northern California. A total of 22,427 completed primary care telemedicine visits booked by 13,764 patients with limited English proficiency through the patient portal. The study examined the cross-sectional link between electronic health record-documented patient language (with Spanish as the reference) and patient-provider language concordance, considering patient demographics, technology access, and technology familiarity. RESULTS: The study found that among all scheduled appointments, 34.5% (n=7747) were video consultations. The three most common patient languages were Spanish (42.4%), Cantonese (16.9%), and Mandarin (10.3%). After adjusting for demographic and technology factors, video visit usage was higher for patients speaking Cantonese, Mandarin, or Vietnamese, compared to Spanish-speaking patients, but lower for those who spoke Punjabi. Language concordance was linked to decreased video visit utilization and influenced the relationship between speaking Spanish, Cantonese, and Korean with video visit usage. Furthermore, for all language groups, patients with prior video visit experience were more likely to use video visits again.
AHRQ-funded; HS025189
Citation: Hsueh L, Huang J, Millman AK .
Cross-sectional association of patient language and patient-provider language concordance with video telemedicine use among patients with limited English proficiency.
J Gen Intern Med 2023 Feb;38(3):633-40. doi: 10.1007/s11606-022-07887-6.
Keywords: Telehealth, Health Information Technology (HIT), Cultural Competence, Clinician-Patient Communication, Communication, Healthcare Delivery, COVID-19
Hsueh L, Huang J, Millman AK
Disparities in use of video telemedicine among patients with limited English proficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The authors hypothesized that limited English proficiency (LEP) would be associated with lower video use compared with telephone, especially among patients without prior video visit experience. They found that one-third of patients with LEP scheduled a visit by video instead of telephone. Patients with LEP chose video less often than patients without LEP, even after adjusting for technology factors. However, among patients with prior video visit experience, no significant difference in video visit use by LEP was found.
AHRQ-funded; HS025189.
Citation: Hsueh L, Huang J, Millman AK .
Disparities in use of video telemedicine among patients with limited English proficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic.
JAMA Netw Open 2021 Nov;4(11):e2133129. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.33129..
Keywords: COVID-19, Telehealth, Health Information Technology (HIT), Disparities, Communication
Legler S, Diehl M, Hilliard B
Evaluation of an intrahospital telemedicine program for patients admitted with COVID-19: mixed methods study.
This pilot study’s objective was to evaluate an intrahospital telemedicine program along with its impact on exposure risk and communication for patients admitted with COVID-19. Virtual care was the main primary exposure variable and patient characteristics, PPE use rates, and their association with virtual care were assessed. Out of 137 total patients in their primary analysis, 43 patients used virtual care. There were 82 inpatient days of use, and 401 inpatient days without use. Surveys of 41 patients and clinicians showed high rates of recommendation for further use. A significant reduction in PPE use and physical exam rate was associated with virtual care. However, there are limitations in usability, medical assessment, and empathetic communication.
AHRQ-funded; HS026732.
Citation: Legler S, Diehl M, Hilliard B .
Evaluation of an intrahospital telemedicine program for patients admitted with COVID-19: mixed methods study.
J Med Internet Res 2021 Apr 29;23(4):e25987. doi: 10.2196/25987..
Keywords: Telehealth, Health Information Technology (HIT), Hospitals, Hospitalization, Communication, COVID-19
Nair D, Malhotra S, Lupu D
Challenges in communication, prognostication and dialysis decision-making in the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for interdisciplinary care during crisis settings.
This paper uses case vignettes to highlight challenges in communication, prognostication, and medical decision-making that have been exacerbated by the COVD-19 pandemic for patients with kidney disease. The authors include best practice recommendations to mitigate those issues and conclude with implications for interdisciplinary models of care in crisis settings. Concerns about certain biomarkers, demographics, and medical comorbidities that can predict an increased risk for mortality among patients with COVID-19 and kidney disease are discussed, because there may be communication barriers related to physical exposure and conservation of personal protective equipment with those at-risk patients.
AHRQ-funded; HS026395.
Citation: Nair D, Malhotra S, Lupu D .
Challenges in communication, prognostication and dialysis decision-making in the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for interdisciplinary care during crisis settings.
Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2021 Mar 1;30(2):190-97. doi: 10.1097/mnh.0000000000000689..
Keywords: COVID-19, Dialysis, Kidney Disease and Health, Shared Decision Making, Clinician-Patient Communication, Communication, Chronic Conditions
Abrams EM, Greenhawt M
Risk communication during COVID-19.
This article focuses on ways the healthcare community can best communicate risk of COVID-19 to the public. Poor risk communication results in hoarding behavior which can lead to lack of medications and personal protective equipment. Utilizing social media channels to ensure an ongoing consistent media presence is one potential way to ensure appropriate risk communication. Including all stakeholders in broader public health messaging is also important.
AHRQ-funded; HS024599.
Citation: Abrams EM, Greenhawt M .
Risk communication during COVID-19.
J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2020 Jun;8(6):1791-94. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.04.012..
Keywords: COVID-19, Communication, Risk, Public Health, Emergency Preparedness