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COVID-19

Telemedicine Research Reveals Positive Association Between Care Continuity and Telehealth Use in Community Health Centers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

New research conducted by the University of California Berkeley has found a positive association between care continuity and telehealth use in community health centers (CHCs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, which analyzed data from 166 CHCs with over 20,792 patients, suggests that care continuity may facilitate telehealth use and resilient performance on process measures. This is particularly relevant in the context of chronic care, as telehealth has emerged as a critical tool for delivering care during the pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a positive association between care continuity and telehealth use in CHCs, with care continuity improving care quality and patients' experiences.
  • The research suggests that care continuity may facilitate telehealth use and resilient performance on process measures.
  • The study analyzed data from 166 CHCs with over 20,792 patients with diabetes and/or hypertension who had at least two encounters per year during 2019 and 2020.
  • The study used multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the association of care continuity with telehealth use and care processes.
  • Generalized linear regression models estimated the association of care continuity with intermediate outcomes, such as A1c testing.
  • Formal mediation analyses assessed whether telehealth mediated the association of care continuity with A1c testing during 2020.

Statistics:

  • 166 CHCs were included in the study.
  • The study analyzed data from over 20,792 patients with diabetes and/or hypertension.
  • The odds ratio for care continuity with telehealth use in 2019 was 1.98, with a marginal effect of 0.69 and a z-score of 165.50 (P < 0.001).
  • The study found a significant association between care continuity and A1c testing during 2020, with care continuity improving A1c testing rates.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Researchers from University of California Berkeley Detail New Studies and Findings in the Area of Telemedicine (Telehealth Use, Care Continuity, and Quality Diabetes and Hypertension Care In Community Health Centers Before and During the Covid-19 Pandemic). Diabetes Week. April 17, 2023; p 761.
  • Medical Care. Telehealth Use, Care Continuity, and Quality Diabetes and Hypertension Care In Community Health Centers Before and During the Covid-19 Pandemic. 2023;61.

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