Accelerating Virtual Health Implementation Following the COVID-19 Pandemic: Questionnaire Study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Health Informatics
• Telemedicine

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of virtual health solutions.
• US federal regulatory changes reduced barriers, prompting rapid reorganization of care delivery by health systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and recommend strategies for scaling and sustaining virtual health solutions.
• To gather insights from executives at major US health systems on virtual health implementation.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 29 quantitative surveys and 23 qualitative interviews with 58 executives from 41 large US health systems.
• Participants represented systems of varying sizes and across all US Census Bureau regions.

Main Results:

• 54% of health systems were in a mid-stage of virtual health implementation.
• Increased patient access and flexibility were key perceived benefits, alongside lower costs.
• Reimbursement and patient technology access/understanding were identified as major scaling challenges.
• Future growth is expected, with user-friendliness and EMR integration being critical factors.

Conclusions:

• Virtual health demand is expected to persist post-pandemic, necessitating strategic re-evaluation by health systems.
• Leaders must advocate for supportive policies (payment, reimbursement parity) and adapt care models.
• Proactive development and integration of virtual health are crucial for long-term success.