Defining and Improving Outcomes Measurement for Virtual Care: Report from the VHA State-of-the-Art Conference on...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Digital Health
• Healthcare Informatics

Background:

• Virtual care offers transformative potential for healthcare delivery and access.
• The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) convened a State-of-the-Art Conference on Virtual Care.
• Research priorities for virtual care were identified across access, engagement, and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report findings from the Virtual Care Outcomes Workgroup.
• To identify evidence-based and future research areas in virtual care outcomes.
• To establish research priorities for virtual care within the VHA.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and expert consensus process.
• Focused discussion on four key questions regarding virtual care outcomes.
• Analysis of virtual care outcome measurement, patient-provider alignment, safety, and patient-generated health data (PGHD).

Main Results:

• Identified virtual care outcome areas with existing evidence and those requiring further research.
• Highlighted the need for research on optimal patient-provider matching for virtual care modalities.
• Examined potential patient safety implications and the utility of PGHD in clinical decision-making and self-management.

Conclusions:

• Key conclusions and recommendations for future virtual care research were established.
• The VHA is well-positioned to study specific virtual care outcomes.
• Further research is needed to optimize virtual care delivery, safety, and patient engagement.