Telemedicine utilization and preventive services among a rural population

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Digital Health

Background:

• Telemedicine adoption has surged, particularly in rural areas, necessitating an understanding of its impact on healthcare utilization.
• Preventive care is crucial for managing chronic conditions and improving overall health outcomes in underserved populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between telemedicine utilization and the uptake of preventive care services among individuals residing in rural areas.
• To analyze how telemedicine use influences the likelihood of receiving recommended preventive screenings and services.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study design was employed, utilizing administrative claims data from January 2019 to December 2023.
• Propensity score matching and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to compare rural telemedicine users with matched nonusers.
• The study analyzed a large sample of over 2 million individuals, examining telemedicine use in 2020 and from 2021-2023.

Main Results:

• Telemedicine use in 2020 was linked to a twofold increased likelihood of completing preventive care in 2021 (AOR, 2.01).
• Continued telemedicine use from 2021 to 2023 also showed a significant association with higher preventive care completion in 2023 (AOR, 1.88).
• These findings remained consistent even after accounting for the initial surge in telemedicine use during the pandemic.

Conclusions:

• Telemedicine use in rural populations is positively associated with increased utilization of preventive care services.
• The strength of this association is influenced by individual factors such as underlying health conditions, sex, and geographic region.
• Findings suggest telemedicine can play a vital role in enhancing preventive care access and adherence in rural settings.