HSR&D Investigator Leads AMA’s Most Viewed Discussion: Telemedicine Amid COVID-19
January 29, 2021
Takeaway: Michael Weiner, MD, MPH and colleagues conducted a virtual panel discussion titled, “Telemedicine Amid COVID-19,” for the American Medical Association (AMA) Physician Innovation Network in March and April 2020. Thus far, this is the most viewed discussion ever hosted on the AMA Network, with more than 95,000 views worldwide.
This virtual conversation covered many aspects of telemedicine as it was being rapidly deployed during the COVID-19 emergency. Key themes and findings identified during the discussion include:
- Interest in the expansion of coverage for telemedicine and licensure across states and the expediting of the licensing process, as well as how organizations are supporting streamlined credentialing to quickly leverage additional resources. Physicians agreed that state licensure boundaries create actual care boundaries.
- Asynchronous modes of telemedicine such as digital check-ins and remote patient monitoring and the key role they play for COVID-19 were discussed, along with how to manage chronic and low-risk conditions, and preventative care amid this pandemic.
- Best practices relating to the implementation of telemedicine were addressed, including ensuring that all patients are educated and comfortable with the technology with which they will be communicating with their care providers.
- Throughout the discussion, it became clear that there are gaps in patient-facing information and education on telehealth. Also identified were gaps in accessibility, equity, and privacy issues regarding telehealth and COVID-19 data.
