ICYMI: Research Finds “Telehealth Improves Clinic Attendance And Lowers Distress” For Young Patients with Diabetes
Diabetic Patients More Likely to Attend Appointments Via Telehealth When Compared to Traditional, In-Person Visits
In case you missed it, a new study published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology by researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles found that telehealth significantly improves clinic attendance and lowers medical distress in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes. The study observed 68 adolescents aged 16-25 receiving care at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles with type 1 diabetes for six months.
The results found that participants who primarily conducted their clinic appointments virtually attended an average of 3.33 scheduled visits compared to the 2.47 visit average for participants who attended in person. Additionally, study participants who utilized telehealth for their treatment plan reported less physician-related distress than their counterparts who attended in-person visits. The study further showcases telehealth as a convenient care option for both patients and providers.
On the findings, study co-author Jennifer Raymond, chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, said, “Telehealth may be an option for increasing successful visit completion. From a patient perspective, this may result in more proactive care with an improvement in diabetes outcomes. From a clinician and diabetes center standpoint, this will result in successful utilization of clinician time and improve patient access.”
Telehealth can play a significant role in modernizing treatment plans and allowing patients flexibility in their care. While Congress took a major step forward toward protecting virtual care by extending telehealth protections until the end of 2024 in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, permanent solutions are needed to safeguard access to telehealth.
Read the full study HERE and Healio’s summary of the findings HERE.
Learn more about how Congress can act to permanently protect telehealth access HERE.
ABOUT TELEHEALTH ACCESS FOR AMERICA
Telehealth Access for America (TAFA) is a public education campaign supported by leaders in health care committed to better care, expanded patient choice, and protecting access to critical telehealth services. Learn more and take action today at www.telehealthaccessforamerica.org.