Health and Wellness Informatics News
Hims & Hers, ATA, along with 10 other associations to launch Telehealth Equity Coalition
American Telemedicine Association's EDGE policy conference comes with the panelists who say virtual care is not a panacea. Thus it needs to take action to ensure that no one is left.
As the pandemic season due to coronavirus swept off the country last year, thousands of patients have turned to telehealth to get the service. This is due to staying consistent with the accessing care, which is also safest due to no-contact.
Telehealth has been held as the “panacea”, as Adaeze Enekwechi, the board member of Public Health Institute and the Alliance for Health Policy, says. The final installment of the EDGE conference by the American Telemedicine Association came to light on Tuesday.
Enekwechi also says that the first thing which occurred was there was no way for the panacea for everyone and everything. They are quite honest about the fact. The list also goes on pointing out to say even if telehealth has made more strode in addressing the disparities; it also exacerbated the other ones.
According to Mignon Clyburn, the former commissioner of the Federal communications commission, there is confusion regarding the system when it comes to broadband. When people do not have access to an internet connection, then it can hamper the access and the quality of telehealthcare.
In the end, several groups are represented in the conference and came up with the announcement with the launch of the Telehealth equity coalition. It is aiming at the advocacy of more access to virtual care. The coalition is composed along with the ATA and the Health Innovation Alliance, and Hims & Hers. It also includes the A National Health IT collaboratives and the Adaptation Health for the unreserved and crucial players in this space.
It is going to take a data-driven approach. Panelists also note that the health disparities which are going beyond medical care play a major role in performing well being. The broadband infrastructure is not going to be enough alone. Also, it requires fiber at every doorstep, but many cannot afford it. Thus it requires a very serious conversation. Clyburn stressed the importance of centering the communities for a conversation.
