In recent years, telehealth has become an important tool in increasing access to healthcare services, especially for patients with conditions that have limited treatment options, like nonepileptic seizures (NES). As healthcare administrators, practice owners, and IT managers in the United States adjust to this changing environment, it is essential to understand the demographic factors that impact patient engagement with telehealth. This article reviews recent findings related to telehealth engagement in patients with NES, highlighting key trends, statistics, and implications for healthcare management.
Nonepileptic seizures are episodes that mimic seizures but do not stem from a neurological cause. These episodes can occur in various forms, such as convulsions or loss of consciousness, which can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Due to the ambiguity surrounding NES, patients need specialized care, typically delivered through multidisciplinary treatment centers. However, a study published in *Epilepsy & Behavior* indicated that only 18 institutions across the United States offer this type of specialized care.
The COVID-19 pandemic created a need for healthcare systems to adapt quickly, leading to a rapid increase in telehealth services. As a result, patient engagement in NES treatment via telehealth rose by 23.6%. At the University of Colorado NES Clinic, patient involvement has improved significantly due to telehealth services, addressing critical gaps in access to care.
Prior to the pandemic, engagement among NES patients was relatively low. Factors such as geographic barriers, stigma around the disorder, and logistical issues with attending in-person appointments contributed to this low engagement. Telehealth has alleviated these challenges by offering remote treatment options and reducing travel requirements.
Recent trends show that demographic factors significantly affect patient engagement with telehealth for NES. Data from the study indicates that most patients utilizing telehealth services are likely to be white, non-Hispanic, publicly insured, and employed. These findings point to the need for healthcare administrators to recognize and address different healthcare needs shaped by demographic variables.
One major demographic factor is geographic location. Many patients who engaged with telehealth lived more than 25 miles from the nearest NES clinic. This distance was a significant barrier to access before telehealth was adopted. Telehealth has effectively reduced this logistical challenge, making treatment easier to obtain for individuals who might have faced transportation difficulties.
The study found that patients who used telehealth services were mainly publicly insured. This raises questions about how socioeconomic status affects engagement with healthcare services. Public insurance often reduces costs associated with healthcare access, providing these patients an advantage when using telehealth services that might otherwise be too expensive.
Practices should consider how these demographic insights can inform billing and administrative practices. Understanding the financial dynamics related to telehealth may lead to improved outreach and higher engagement among underserved populations.
Patients with a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) of zero, indicating no other comorbid conditions, were more likely to engage with telehealth services. This highlights the connection between physical health and mental well-being. Patients without additional psychological or physical issues may find it easier to use telehealth options.
Moreover, engaged patients were less likely to have experienced suicidal thoughts or attempts, indicating the mental health challenges that often accompany neurological disorders. Addressing mental health within telehealth offerings may improve engagement rates for those facing such difficulties.
The results of telehealth indicate its necessity in improving patient engagement and access to treatment for NES patients. The study highlights how telehealth removes logistical and psychological barriers to care. It is crucial for healthcare administrators and providers to support the ongoing use of telehealth.
Despite the clear advantages of telehealth, ongoing education, awareness campaigns, and improvements in technology are needed to maintain increased patient engagement.
A valuable opportunity to enhance telehealth effectiveness lies in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and workflow automation for organizations like Simbo AI, which specializes in front-office phone automation and answering services. By automating non-clinical tasks such as appointment scheduling and patient triage, healthcare practices can improve operational efficiency. AI can handle routine inquiries, lightening the load on staff and allowing them to focus on providing quality care.
Implementing AI-driven chatbots or automated phone systems provides a more efficient experience for patients engaging with telehealth. These systems can gather essential patient data, ensuring healthcare providers obtain accurate and timely information without overwhelming their resources.
The use of automation in telehealth can minimize wait times, an important factor that often discourages patients from engaging with healthcare services. An automated system can quickly respond to patient inquiries and make scheduling easier, increasing patient satisfaction and improving engagement metrics.
Moreover, automating reminders and follow-ups for telehealth appointments can reduce no-show rates. Research shows that reminder calls or texts can significantly improve attendance rates. This is crucial for populations less likely to engage due to logistical barriers or mental health issues.
It is vital to have collaborative discussions among healthcare administrators, IT managers, and practice owners about how to maximize telehealth. The growing body of evidence shows its effectiveness, marking a shift that should not be overlooked.
As telehealth develops, it is important to ensure that underserved groups are not overlooked. Healthcare stakeholders must work diligently to implement targeted outreach programs aimed at minority and economically disadvantaged groups to improve healthcare access.
Part of the solution involves investing in solid technological infrastructure to integrate telehealth services into existing practice frameworks. With advancements in broadband access and digital literacy, more patients may use telehealth services in the future. It is necessary for stakeholders to advocate for these enhancements and provide the necessary training so that both practitioners and patients are comfortable using these technologies.
While technology is important in optimizing telehealth engagement, interpersonal communication is also significant. Training staff on effective communication techniques can help ensure patients feel at ease when using telehealth. Training programs can provide healthcare providers with the skills needed to handle complex conversations about health conditions, especially when discussing sensitive topics like NES.
It is crucial to address the stigma attached to nonepileptic seizures in healthcare settings and society. Increased awareness and educational campaigns can help change perceptions and create a supportive environment for patients. Including patient testimonials and success stories can serve as a helpful tool for normalizing and encouraging engagement.
The demographic influences on telehealth engagement among patients with nonepileptic seizures reveal important information for healthcare administrators and IT managers. By understanding the various factors contributing to patient engagement, such as geographic location, socioeconomic status, and mental health, healthcare providers can develop strategies to improve telehealth access and effectiveness. Investing in artificial intelligence and workflow automation will be essential in creating an efficient telehealth model, ultimately enhancing care for a diverse patient population. Encouraging open discussions, addressing stigma, and committing to ongoing improvement can lead to better healthcare access for patients with nonepileptic seizures and others.
The study focuses on the influence of telehealth on patient engagement at a multidisciplinary Non-Epileptic Seizure (NES) Clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Telehealth improved patient engagement in treatment for nonepileptic seizures by 23.6% following the implementation of COVID-19 regulations.
Patients who engaged via telehealth were more likely to be white, non-Hispanic, publicly insured, employed, and have a Charlson Comorbidity Index of zero.
A CCI of zero indicated lower comorbidity, which was associated with higher engagement in telehealth treatment.
Telehealth helps reduce logistical and psychological barriers to initiating treatment, which is critical given the limited access to care for NES patients.
Only 18 institutions across the United States deliver multidisciplinary treatment for nonepileptic seizures (NES).
Factors included living more than 25 miles from the clinic, having a daily seizure rate of 0–1, and not having suicidal ideation or attempts.
The study emphasizes the importance of utilizing telehealth to improve access to treatments for patients with NES, addressing existing gaps in care.
Nonepileptic seizures (NES) are episodes that may resemble seizures but do not have a neurological origin, often requiring specialized treatment.
The pandemic necessitated changes in how care was delivered, leading to an increased adoption of telehealth, which consequently improved patient engagement.
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