Work

533. Use of Different Communication Types for Telehealth for COVID-19 During Implementation of a State Telehealth Test to Treat Program in Minnesota

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Background Telehealth programs for COVID-19 have expanded and may use multiple types of communication, such as mobile apps, web-based or telephone. Data on use of these communications are lacking, particularly in different age groups. We assessed use of three different communication types during implementation of a test to treat program for COVID-19 in Minnesota. Methods Minnesota launched its telehealth program in two phases: Phase 1 (mobile app only) during initial rollout from 12/15/22 – 1/5/23 and Phase 2 (addition of web and phone options) from 1/6/23 – 4/30/23. Data on users of the program were provided by the vendor (Cue Health), including communication type (app, web, phone), number of attempts, antiviral prescription, age, and sex. Results Data were available for 2093 patients who completed the intake process between 12/15/22 and 4/30/23, of whom 1928 (92%) completed the consultation process and 1808 (86%) received an antiviral. 60% of users were female. 250 patients (12%) completed the intake more than once on the same day, which may reflect multiple attempts due to technical barriers. During the study period, patients aged 35-44 and ≥ 65 years made up the largest proportion of users by age group (each had 464 patients, each 22% of total, Figure 1). 37% of users accessed the program via the phone and 37% via the app, with 26% using the website. Communication preferences varied by age, with increased use of the phone option in older age groups (54% of ≥ 65 vs 30% of 18-34 years, Figure 2). In comparison to users who made a single attempt, users who made multiple attempts were more likely to be younger (48 vs 51 years, p=0.02), and less likely to be prescribed an antiviral (80% vs 91%, p< .001). Users with multiple attempts were more likely to have used the web option for their first attempt (47% vs 24%, p< .001). Those with multiple attempts generally used the same communication type for all attempts (204/250); of those who switched, the commonest switch was to the phone (39/46). Conclusion Of the three communication types, the phone and app options were most popular, with a trend towards more phone use in older age groups. A phone option should be considered in future telehealth initiatives, including as a backup for those with technical barriers to app or web-based communication. Disclosures David Tsay, MD PhD, Cue Health: Chief Medical Officer|Cue Health: Stocks/Bonds

Source: Open Forum Infectious Diseases

DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad500.602

Authors: Sarah Lim, Paige Dubelko, Walter James, Erin McLachlan, David Tsay, Ruth Lynfield

Institution: Minnesota Department of Health

Language: English

Topic: Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,676