Collaborative research project exploring the impact, benefits, challenges, and future of telehealth in primary care using physician interviews, surveys, and peer-reviewed sources.
Course: Introduction to Health Informatics
Instructor: Prof. Dan Boyle
Contributors: Asiana Holloway, Frank Ofosu, Pratap Mahalingam, Suha Khalil
🎥 Watch Presentation Video
The goal of this project was to investigate the impact of telehealth on primary care delivery by analyzing its evolution, benefits, challenges, and future integration into healthcare systems. We aimed to identify how telehealth has transformed access to care, improved workflows, and affected patient and provider satisfaction—especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our presentation breaks down the following:
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Definition & History of Telehealth
Explores early adoption in rural areas and gradual integration into urban settings pre-pandemic. -
Pandemic-Driven Acceleration
By April 2020, 97% of primary care physicians were using telemedicine due to regulatory shifts and urgent need. -
Technology & Infrastructure
Key tools like HIPAA-compliant platforms, video devices, and broadband connectivity were essential. -
Benefits for Patients & Providers
Increased engagement, better chronic care management, improved work-life balance for physicians, and broader reach. -
Limitations
Barriers such as data privacy concerns, state licensure issues, limited EHR integration, and the digital divide. -
AI & Innovation in Telehealth
Discussed emerging technologies including virtual health assistants, predictive analytics, remote monitoring, and computer vision. -
Telehealth ROI
Financial and operational returns from telehealth in primary care, including a case study on telecardiology. -
Future Vision
Opportunities for AI-driven enhancements, better EHR integration, and group/family sessions.
This project was a collaborative group effort. Each member contributed to literature review, design, presentation flow, and data gathering. Here’s how we approached our research:
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Literature Review:
Analyzed peer-reviewed articles, whitepapers, and industry reports including data from the CDC, American Telemedicine Association, and Commonwealth Fund. -
Surveys & Interviews:
We conducted a questionnaire for physicians, with 10 total responses (6 from Michigan-based providers). The insights supported our claims about adoption, satisfaction, and usability of telehealth in primary care. -
Case Studies:
Incorporated real-world case examples to assess telehealth's financial and operational ROI. -
Presentation Creation:
Designed collaboratively with all team members, ensuring clarity in data storytelling and visual engagement.
- American Telemedicine Association: https://www.americantelemed.org
- Chartis Group Reports on Telehealth Trends
- Michigan Health Endowment Fund
- CDC Data Briefs on Telehealth
- Commonwealth Fund International Survey on Primary Care
- ATA Webinars & Policy Briefs
- Capterra & Forbes Telehealth Vendor Rankings
- Manatt Telehealth ROI Whitepaper
Primary care telehealth has evolved from a niche solution into a critical mode of care delivery. Our research revealed strong evidence for continued investment in telehealth infrastructure, policy innovation, and technological advancement to ensure it remains an accessible, effective, and secure option for future care delivery.
🎥 Click here to watch the full presentation
Author
Asiana Holloway
Graduate Student – Introduction to Health Informatics
GitHub: AsianaHolloway