Getting started
It is important to conduct a thorough assessment when planning to use telehealth for emergency preparedness.
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Telehealth in pre-disaster planning
Telehealth provides a flexible and scalable solution for medical care during some emergencies. Key considerations when planning for the use of telehealth in emergency situations include:
- Risk assessment and resource allocation. A first step should include identifying which populations and areas would benefit from telehealth services. It is important to assess a community's telehealth resources and identify gaps in the existing health care system. This includes identifying the required equipment, technology, and personnel that are needed to ensure that telehealth systems are robust and ready during a crisis.
- Training and education for health care providers. It is important to develop telehealth-specific training modules to ensure that health care providers are skilled in using telehealth and delivering remote care during emergencies. Emergency drills and simulations should include telehealth so providers can practice and refine their skills.
- Collaborating. Establishing communication channels can be essential to ensure seamless coordination during a crisis. Partnerships can help to leverage available resources and increase communication. Effective partnerships may include health care providers and local, state, and federal agencies. Telehealth should be integrated into broad emergency plans. Joint training exercises are an excellent way to assess readiness and ensure that providers are well-prepared to support communities during emergencies.
Community preparedness
Telehealth is key to community preparedness. It gives health care providers essential tools and resources, allows providers to offer continuous access to care, and enhances community resilience. Several activities can help increase community preparedness:
- Develop public health information campaigns. Public information campaigns inform the community about telehealth services that are available during an emergency. Campaigns should educate the public on the types of available services, benefits of using telehealth during an emergency, and how to access telehealth services.
- Collaborate with local partners. These partnerships take advantage of existing networks to reach a broad audience, enhance community engagement, and provide credible sources of information. Working with local entities can help tailor outreach efforts to better meet the community's needs and increase access.
- Establish rapid communication channels. Partners should work within existing communication systems to circulate critical health information. By using telehealth to distribute accurate and timely information, partners can help manage the public health response.
- Use telehealth for remote monitoring and reporting of emergencies. Remote monitoring can support the early detection of health trends and potential outbreaks. It also allows health care providers to maintain continuous oversight of patients' conditions.
Navigating federal and state regulations
It is important to understand federal and state requirements before using telehealth for emergencies. Some considerations include:
- Are there state licensure requirements for providing emergency telehealth services?
- Are any federal or state temporary waivers or special provisions in place for telehealth use if an emergency is declared?
- What documentation and records are required for the use of telehealth during an emergency?
- What are the guidelines for prescribing medications through telehealth during an emergency?
Tip: Ensure that you stay updated on the latest telehealth policies issued during disasters or public health emergencies.
More information:
Licensure — Health Resources and Services Administration
Telehealth policy — Health Resources and Services Administration
Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation, and Recovery in the Digital Age: Enhancing Healthcare Resilience in CA and Beyond — California Telehealth Resource Center