Kintzle Sara, Rivas Wilmer A, Castro Carl A
Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Telemed J E Health. 2022 May;28(5):706-711. doi: 10.1089/tmj.2021.0262. Epub 2021 Sep 22.
Background:While many health care providers have shifted toward telehealth services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, little is known about the perception and acceptance of such services, particularly among vulnerable populations. Veterans, who are at increased risk of physical and mental health needs, may benefit from the use and availability of telehealth services.
Materials and Methods:Cross sectional survey data related to telehealth use, satisfaction, and access were collected through an online survey. Participants from previous research studies and veterans receiving care at a national veteran behavioral health organization were invited to participate.
Results:A total of 404 veterans participated. Before the pandemic, many veterans had never used telehealth for physical (72%) or mental (76%) health care. Since the start of the pandemic, 62% of participants reported they received some care through telehealth services. Most participants found telehealth valuable and helpful (82%), indicated the technology was well explained (77%), and felt that issues were resolved quickly and easily (67%). Access to care was limited among participants who utilize massage therapy (64%), dental care (53%), routine checkups (50%), acupuncture (50%), and physical therapy (48%).
Discussion:These findings showed an increase in the use of telehealth services and overwhelming satisfaction among veterans. Despite this, some veterans indicated barriers to receiving physical and mental health care.
Conclusions:This provides an opportunity to expand the use of telehealth services to meet the health care needs of veterans. Barriers to care should be addressed to minimize the impact on the well-being of veterans.
尽管许多医疗服务提供者为应对新冠疫情已转向远程医疗服务，但对于此类服务的认知和接受程度，尤其是在弱势群体中的情况，人们了解甚少。退伍军人面临更高的身心健康需求风险，可能会从远程医疗服务的使用和可及性中受益。
通过在线调查收集与远程医疗使用、满意度和可及性相关的横断面调查数据。邀请了先前研究的参与者以及在一家全国性退伍军人行为健康组织接受治疗的退伍军人参与。
共有404名退伍军人参与。在疫情之前，许多退伍军人从未将远程医疗用于身体（72%）或心理健康护理（76%）。自疫情开始以来，62%的参与者报告他们通过远程医疗服务接受了一些护理。大多数参与者认为远程医疗有价值且有帮助（82%），表示技术得到了很好的解释（77%），并且觉得问题能够快速轻松地得到解决（67%）。在使用按摩治疗（64%）、牙科护理（53%）、常规体检（50%）、针灸（50%）和物理治疗（48%）的参与者中，获得护理的机会有限。
这些发现表明退伍军人对远程医疗服务的使用有所增加，且满意度极高。尽管如此，一些退伍军人表示在获得身心健康护理方面存在障碍。
这为扩大远程医疗服务的使用以满足退伍军人的医疗保健需求提供了契机。应解决护理障碍，以尽量减少对退伍军人福祉的影响。
