Adapting a Telehealth Network for Emergency COVID-19 Pandemic Response, 2020-2021

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Telehealth
• Infectious Disease Response

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid adaptation of healthcare delivery systems.
• Tribal telehealth programs play a crucial role in supporting healthcare access for American Indian/Alaska Native populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the rapid implementation and impact of a Tribal telehealth program (Indian Country ECHO) for COVID-19 pandemic response.
• To assess clinician satisfaction, practice changes, and perceived social support derived from the program.

Main Methods:

• The Indian Country ECHO program expanded its services to include COVID-19 information and support.
• Virtual learning sessions were offered to primary care clinicians and staff nationwide.
• Participant feedback was collected through voluntary online evaluation forms.

Main Results:

• Over 11,710 attendees participated in 85 sessions between March 2020 and April 2021.
• High satisfaction rates were reported by pharmacists (78.1%), providers (70.8%), and nurses (59.6%).
• A significant proportion of attendees planned practice changes, particularly pharmacists (68.0%), nurses (64.1%), and providers (61.3%).
• 93.1% of attendees reported a sense of social support.

Conclusions:

• Existing telehealth platforms can be quickly repurposed for emergency response.
• Pre-existing relationships facilitate rapid scaling of telehealth networks during crises.
• Telehealth programs are flexible, adaptable, and essential for large-scale emergency preparedness and response.