Develop a telehealth strategy
Learn how to develop a telehealth strategy for older patients.
On this page:
Flexible workflow for older patients
Consider your team and workflow. You may need to make adjustments to help older adults use telehealth:
- Understand that your patients might not be familiar with telehealth. Help you patients understand how video visits work. Ask your office staff do a test run prior to the appointment.
- Allow extra time. This can help in case you need to troubleshoot technology.
- Prepare accessible resources. Your older patients may need resources in different formats. Send information prior to the appointment when possible.
Tip: Digital health navigators are people who explain technology. This can help increase patients’ comfort when using telehealth. Consider designating a staff member to take on this role.
Incorporating caregivers
Caregivers report a number of benefits with using telehealth. Caregivers can improve the accessibility of telehealth among older patients.
More information
Planning your telehealth workflow — Health Resources and Services Administration
Cultivating trust and relationships during a telehealth visit — Health Resources and Services Administration
Build a sustainable telehealth practice — Health Resources and Services Administration
Spotlight
The Center for Excellence for Telehealth and Aging aims to advance age-inclusive telehealth for older adults. Their vision is to better meet the needs and preferences of older adults. Resources include telehealth best practices for older adults.