In order to better understand the implementation of telehealth in RI during the COVID-19 pandemic, CTC launched a RI Telehealth Needs Assessment in August of 2020. The assessment, funded by UnitedHealthcare, surveyed RI practices and patients about their experiences with telehealth.
The patient assessment surveyed patients who had completed a telehealth visit as well as those who had not had a telehealth visit. Both groups were asked about their experiences with telehealth or being offered telehealth. Patients were also surveyed about their attitudes toward telehealth and other barriers to receiving telehealth. The patient assessment surveyed over 900 patients: 517 of patients surveyed had participated in a telehealth visit between March and October of 2020; 387 of patients surveyed had not participated in a telehealth visit during that time.
The practice assessments were completed using a team approach, and consisted of 81 questions about topics including workflow, technology, and reimbursement. Of the 47 practices completing the assessment, 35 were adult practices and 12 were pediatric. All practice sites utilized telehealth, and the majority of them began using telehealth in March 2020.
The mission of the Care Transformation Collaborative of Rhode Island is to lead the transformation of primary care in Rhode Island in the context of an integrated health care system; and to improve the quality of care, the patient experience of care, the affordability of care, and the health of the populations we serve.