Case Study Comparison: Limitations in Telehealth Relating to Poverty and Family Support

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Digital Health
• Pediatric Care

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telehealth adoption.
• Telehealth provides virtual access to healthcare services.
• Successful telehealth implementation depends on patient-specific factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine diverse patient experiences with telehealth.
• To identify barriers to effective telehealth utilization.
• To discuss the appropriateness of telehealth for pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• Presentation of three distinct patient case studies.
• Analysis of telehealth appointment successes and failures.
• Exploration of internet connectivity and device access issues.

Main Results:

• Telehealth success varied based on internet stability and device availability.
• Some patients faced significant barriers to accessing virtual care.
• In-person visits were sometimes necessary due to telehealth limitations.

Conclusions:

• Telehealth can be highly beneficial when implemented correctly.
• Addressing digital divides is crucial for equitable telehealth access.
• Further discussion is needed to optimize telehealth for all patients, including children.