Telehealth: Moving Older People Along the Adoption Trajectory

Although the concept of telehealth has been in development for many years, the global pandemic galvanized its growth and utility. In general, people adopt technological advancements at different velocities that, when plotted in a chart, resemble a bell-shaped curve. People who are quick to adopt new technologies are designated innovators, while those who are the very last to adopt new technologies are dubbed laggards. Often, older people fall into the laggard category for several reasons including physical, mental, and emotional barriers. In some cases, they lack the technology or experience with various programs that would make such programs accessible. Regardless, telehealth has proven its worth as a way to deliver care in areas distant to the health care provider when physical examination is unnecessary. It can reduce the likelihood of exposure to contagious disease. Telehealth also has the potential to reduce unnecessary emergency department visits, and long-term care facilities that have used telehealth have demonstrated cost savings. Little study has been conducted to determine how pharmacists are using telehealth, but after examining available research on telehealth, pharmacists can identify pitfalls and implement steps that reduce barriers for older people.