Overview
Telemedicine became vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering safe medical care. However, disparities in its use among racial groups, especially in oncology, need attention. While technology promises to reduce healthcare inequalities, concerns persist about unequal access. Prior research indicates lower technology use among Black and Hispanic patients, even before the pandemic.
Despite widespread adoption, disparities in patient-clinician communication persist, particularly among Black internet users. Mental telehealth services also reveal access disparities. Remote healthcare, including telehealth, emerged as essential during the pandemic, but adoption might have varied among diverse groups. Given COVID-19's disproportionate impact, prioritizing outpatient treatments and reducing in-person visits became crucial.
In this study, researchers from Yale University School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Huntsman Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, and Flatiron Health aimed to explore potential racial disparities in in-person visits and telemedicine usage among patients with hematologic malignancies during the pandemic's early stages.
Why this matters
The study's significance lies in its revelation of inequities in telemedicine utilization among patients with hematologic malignancies, particularly across racial lines, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. It underscores the stark reality that Black patients had fewer telemedicine visits compared to White patients, highlighting existing healthcare disparities. Furthermore, the study identifies regional variations in telemedicine uptake and emphasizes the broader implications of the digital divide beyond healthcare. To address these inequities, the study proposes solutions such as conducting community technology needs evaluations and enhancing technology access and literacy training. Ultimately, the findings underscore the urgent need for healthcare systems to allocate more resources toward reducing disparities and advancing health equity among minority populations.