Enhancing Access Through Language-Tailored Approach in Telehealth and Veterans Video Connect: Traumatic Brain Injury...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience and Rehabilitation
• Health Services Research
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects language processing, requiring tailored interventions.
• Telehealth offers potential access to care for rural Veterans but its feasibility for diverse language preferences is not well understood.
• This study investigated the satisfaction of Spanish and English-speaking Veterans with telehealth services for TBI screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the satisfaction of Veterans with telehealth services for TBI screening.
• To explore language-specific differences in telehealth satisfaction using mixed methods.
• To identify areas for optimizing telehealth delivery for Veterans with TBI.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys (CVT and TSUQ) and qualitative semi-structured interviews.
• Data were collected from 57 Veterans (12 English-speaking, 45 Spanish-speaking) and 4 providers between October 2021 and October 2023.
• Quantitative data involved calculating mean scores for satisfaction and usefulness, while qualitative data were coded for thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Overall satisfaction with telehealth was high for both English (4.50/5) and Spanish-speaking (4.69/5) Veterans.
• Specific areas for improvement included video connection ease for English speakers and expectation clarity for Spanish speakers.
• Qualitative feedback highlighted strengths in access and communication, but also weaknesses in connectivity, delays, and privacy concerns.

Conclusions:

• Telehealth demonstrates high patient satisfaction for TBI screening across language groups, indicating its potential.
• Mixed methods revealed specific areas for enhancement, including infrastructure, coordination, and addressing logistical/technological needs.
• Further research with larger, diverse samples and comparison to in-person care is recommended to refine language-tailored telehealth approaches.