Technology

Domain content includes practical technical considerations for building a telehealth program: an overview of software, hardware, and public infrastructure needs. Data collection introduces the potential for systemic bias; for example, pulse oximetry readings demonstrate lower accuracy in Black patients or those with darker skin tone. Multiple articles highlight the effect of poor broadband infrastructure on connectivity, which in turn limits the precision of the physical exam (i.e. detection of fine motor movement).

Telehealth for Providers: What You Need to Know

This government publication provides an overview of key considerations when implementing telehealth, with sections highlighting how to select a telehealth vendor, technical considerations, pre-program implementation, and procedural steps to conducting a telehealth visit (sections to highlight are pages 5, 7-8).

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) (2019)

Recommendations for the Implementation of Telehealth in Cardiovascular and Stroke Care

This policy statement highlights technology infrastructure needs and related costs, describing core and emerging telehealth technologies including platforms, virtual reality, and mobile health devices (sections to highlight are pages 20-34).

Source: Schwamm LH, Chumbler N, Brown E, et al. (2017)

Broadband is the Achilles' Heel of Telehealth: The Fate of Virtual Care Adoption is Tied to the Fate of Broadband Expansion

This news article provides an overview of limitations in access to broadband, highlighting the racial disparity in access as well as old definitions of broadband that met outdated regulatory standards but are not practical for today's usage.

Source: Settles C (2021)

Racial Bias in Pulse Oximetry Measurement

This NEJM correspondence draws attention to the need to understand racial bias in medical technology and to correct it.

Source: Sjoding MW, Dickson RP, Iwashyna TJ, et al. (2020)

Clinician's Guide to Video Platforms

This online publication houses multiple video links on optimizing video-based platforms for telehealth (videos to highlight are "Customer Point of View" and "Clinical Considerations").

Source: National Telehealth Technology Resource Assessment Center

Wearable Technology Applications in Healthcare: A Literature Review

This peer-reviewed publication highlights key aspects of wearable technology and provides a literature review of wearable devices.

Source: Wu M, Luo J (2019)

Getting Patients Set Up with Telehealth Technology

This web article offers key steps for clinicians to prepare patients for their first telehealth visit and increase their comfort with technology.

Source: Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) (2019)

Using Simulations to Train Medical Students for Unanticipated Technology Failures in Telemedicine

This peer-reviewed publication highlights common telehealth technology failures derived from literature and telehealth experts.

Source: Monkman H, Palmer R, Ijams S, et al. (2019)

Telestroke in Action

This video simulates how an emergency medicine physician and telestroke neurologist leverage a telestroke platform (starting at 0:50).

Source: Providence Health & Services (2019)