Provider reported value and use of virtual resources in extended primary care prior to and during COVID-19
Abstract Background A proactive approach to delivering care using virtual resources, while reducing in-person contact, is needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective In the current study we describe pre- to post- COVID-19 pandemic onset related changes in electronic delivery of primary care. Meth...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2022-11-01
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| Series: | BMC Health Services Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08752-2 |
| _version_ | 1811217694869946368 |
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| author | Jolie N. Haun Vanessa Panaite Bridget A. Cotner Christine Melillo Hari H. Venkatachalam Christopher A. Fowler Brian Zilka William Messina |
| author_facet | Jolie N. Haun Vanessa Panaite Bridget A. Cotner Christine Melillo Hari H. Venkatachalam Christopher A. Fowler Brian Zilka William Messina |
| author_sort | Jolie N. Haun |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background A proactive approach to delivering care using virtual resources, while reducing in-person contact, is needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective In the current study we describe pre- to post- COVID-19 pandemic onset related changes in electronic delivery of primary care. Methods A longitudinal, pre-post within-subjects design was used. Patient-aligned care team providers from one VA medical center, a primary care annex, and four affiliated community-based outpatient clinics completed both a baseline and follow up survey (N = 62) or the follow-up survey only (N = 85). The follow-up survey contained questions about COVID-19. Results The majority of providers (88%) reported they would continue virtual care once pandemic restrictions were lifted. Most (83%) felt prepared to transition to virtual care when pandemic restrictions began. Use of My HealtheVet, Telehealth, and mobile apps showed a significant increase (22.7%; 31.1%; 48.5%). Barriers to virtual care included (1) internet connectivity; (2) patients’ lack of technology comfort and skills; and (3) technical issues. Main supports to provide virtual care to patients were (1) peers/ colleagues; (2) technology support through help desk; (3) equipment such as laptops and dual screens; (4) being able to use doximety and virtual care manager, and (5) training. Conclusions Overall, provider-use and perceptions related to using virtual care improved over time. Providers adapted quickly to providing virtual care during COVID-19 and planned to provide virtual care long-term. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-12T06:59:04Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-4b4dd5c49e15490da006c8a025d3f913 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1472-6963 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-12T06:59:04Z |
| publishDate | 2022-11-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Health Services Research |
| spelling | doaj.art-4b4dd5c49e15490da006c8a025d3f9132022-12-22T03:43:03ZengBMCBMC Health Services Research1472-69632022-11-012211810.1186/s12913-022-08752-2Provider reported value and use of virtual resources in extended primary care prior to and during COVID-19Jolie N. Haun0Vanessa Panaite1Bridget A. Cotner2Christine Melillo3Hari H. Venkatachalam4Christopher A. Fowler5Brian Zilka6William Messina7Research and Development Service, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and ClinicsResearch and Development Service, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and ClinicsResearch and Development Service, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and ClinicsResearch and Development Service, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and ClinicsResearch and Development Service, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and ClinicsResearch and Development Service, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and ClinicsPrimary Care, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and ClinicsAmbulatory Care, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and ClinicsAbstract Background A proactive approach to delivering care using virtual resources, while reducing in-person contact, is needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective In the current study we describe pre- to post- COVID-19 pandemic onset related changes in electronic delivery of primary care. Methods A longitudinal, pre-post within-subjects design was used. Patient-aligned care team providers from one VA medical center, a primary care annex, and four affiliated community-based outpatient clinics completed both a baseline and follow up survey (N = 62) or the follow-up survey only (N = 85). The follow-up survey contained questions about COVID-19. Results The majority of providers (88%) reported they would continue virtual care once pandemic restrictions were lifted. Most (83%) felt prepared to transition to virtual care when pandemic restrictions began. Use of My HealtheVet, Telehealth, and mobile apps showed a significant increase (22.7%; 31.1%; 48.5%). Barriers to virtual care included (1) internet connectivity; (2) patients’ lack of technology comfort and skills; and (3) technical issues. Main supports to provide virtual care to patients were (1) peers/ colleagues; (2) technology support through help desk; (3) equipment such as laptops and dual screens; (4) being able to use doximety and virtual care manager, and (5) training. Conclusions Overall, provider-use and perceptions related to using virtual care improved over time. Providers adapted quickly to providing virtual care during COVID-19 and planned to provide virtual care long-term.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08752-2Primary careTechnologyVeteranVirtual healthcare resources |
| spellingShingle | Jolie N. Haun Vanessa Panaite Bridget A. Cotner Christine Melillo Hari H. Venkatachalam Christopher A. Fowler Brian Zilka William Messina Provider reported value and use of virtual resources in extended primary care prior to and during COVID-19 BMC Health Services Research Primary care Technology Veteran Virtual healthcare resources |
| title | Provider reported value and use of virtual resources in extended primary care prior to and during COVID-19 |
| title_full | Provider reported value and use of virtual resources in extended primary care prior to and during COVID-19 |
| title_fullStr | Provider reported value and use of virtual resources in extended primary care prior to and during COVID-19 |
| title_full_unstemmed | Provider reported value and use of virtual resources in extended primary care prior to and during COVID-19 |
| title_short | Provider reported value and use of virtual resources in extended primary care prior to and during COVID-19 |
| title_sort | provider reported value and use of virtual resources in extended primary care prior to and during covid 19 |
| topic | Primary care Technology Veteran Virtual healthcare resources |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08752-2 |
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