BRIDGING TECHNOLOGY AND HEALTH: A COMMUNITYBASED TELEHEALTH PROGRAM FOR LOW-INCOME OLDER ADULTS

ABSTRACT

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM/QUESTION The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a rapid shift to telemedicine as both a replacement and adjunct to usual in-person care, but in a recent estimate using 2018 data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, 13 million, or roughly 38% of older adults in the US, are not ready to participate in video visits primarily due to inexperience with technology. DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM/INTERVENTION The purpose of this community-based partnered program between Denver Health and Denver Housing Authority (DHA) is to provide the supports needed to engage older adults in telehealth. DHA manages approximately 3900 subsidized housing units across Denver with buildings designated specifically for low-income older adults (65+) and persons with disabilities. Up to 467 of these individuals already receive primary care at Denver Health which offers a unique opportunity to establish targeted supports for the equitable delivery of virtual health. These supports may include technology and digital health education, equipment deployment, and facilitated telehealth appointments. We conducted a formative evaluation of DHA resident interest and capability to participate in video visits. MEASURES OF SUCCESS Outcomes for the formative survey include interest in video visits, perceived barriers to in-person care, comfort levels with technology, barriers to use of technology, healthcare topics of interest, and selfreported health status. The results of the survey helped to shape the key interventions proposed 1) digital health literacy workshops and 2) facilitated on-site video visits. FINDINGS TO DATE Survey responses were compiled for all participants across six participating sites. 115 participants provided responses to program interest and baseline comfort levels with technology. Of participants surveyed, 89% have a mobile phone, 46% have had experience with videoconferencing, and 53% have someone to help them with technology. Challenges accessing healthcare included scheduling an appointment 20%, getting a ride to clinic 23%, and difficulty walking 15%. Of the 76 participants who indicated their learning interests, 51% were interested in learning how to use the online patient portal, 465 in participating in a video visit, and 59% in understanding and managing chronic medical conditions. KEY LESSONS FOR DISSEMINATION At baseline there were both barriers to seeking in person medical care and interest in technology as a tool for health. The survey participants showed a strong interest in sessions about using the online patient portal, how to have a video visit, and understanding chronic medical conditions. Video visits and technology have become an increasingly common and useful part of the primary care system, yet a portion of the population is not equipped with the knowledge or resources to utilize this resource. Older adults may also find transportation and mobility in getting to the doctor's office a significant challenge. This program is designed to outreach those individuals and give them the skills and resources to utilize technology to reduce barriers to health.