Telehealth benefits patients but creates more work for staff: Survey

Only 11 percent of hospitals and 8 percent of practices said they are looking to expand their telehealth offerings in 2023, according to a Dec. 14 telehealth report from national healthcare consultancy firm Sage Growth Partners.

The firm surveyed 75 physician practice leaders and 95 health system executives about predictions, perspectives and insights regarding the future and current use of telehealth programs.

Here is what the survey found: 

1. Fifty-two percent of practice-based physicians and 35 percent of hospital executives believe that providing telehealth services increases the workload of support staff.
   
   
2. Sixty-four percent of practice-based physicians and 66 percent of hospital executives said that telehealth enables their organization to provide comprehensive quality care.
   
   
3. Eleven percent of hospitals and 8 percent of practices surveyed said they are looking to expand telehealth offerings.
   
   
4. Both respondent groups said the top benefits of telehealth offerings and programs are enhanced patient access and increased patient satisfaction.
   
   
5. Fifty-five percent of organizations surveyed said they have not yet created new patient workflows for telehealth visits.
   
   
6. Respondents said some of the barriers associated with telehealth were limited digital literacy and limited access to technology.