While patients and providers have found much benefit from using telehealth, few studies have examined its overall safety. In a perspective article for PSNet, researchers raised several concerns. These included making sure providers understand telehealth’s limitations; have strategies for connecting with patients and caregivers who are less technologically enabled; provide reasonable accommodations for patients with vision, hearing or linguistic challenges; and ensure patients can still receive labs, x-rays and other in-person services when appropriate. The researchers recommended institutions establish protocols for transitioning patients from telehealth to urgent in-person care; develop quality assurance plans for telehealth visits; and conduct tutorials on telehealth communication best practices. (PSNet perspective 5/14/20)
