On Aug. 31, The Joint Commission announced its new patient safety campaign, “Speak Up At Your Telehealth Visit.” The campaign aims to educate consumers on navigating virtual healthcare.
In 2002, The Joint Commission launched its Speak Up patient safety program encouraging patients and their advocates to take an active role in their care. The campaigns have reached patients in more than 70 countries to date. Speak Up At Your Telehealth Visit is the latest addition to the group due to the uptick in telehealth visits during the pandemic.
“Telehealth, which has grown in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, has many benefits,” a news release on the campaign notes. “It saves travel time and transportation costs, increases access to specialists and for second opinions, and can take place almost anywhere a patient can have a private conversation.”
The news release adds that “The Speak Up campaign lists some healthcare services that may be conducted via telehealth:
- Therapy or counseling sessions.
- Monitoring chronic conditions with a hybrid approach – that is, alternating in-person visits with telehealth evaluations.
- Prenatal care.
- Genetic counseling.
- Following up after an in-person visit.
- Observation for acute respiratory viral illnesses.
“However, patients may experience some challenges during a telehealth visit. They can prepare for their visit by:
- Reading any instructions sent by the care team.
- Checking with insurance provider to ensure telehealth is covered.
- Writing down any questions that arise before, during or after the visit.
- Keeping a list of current medications or symptoms.
- Finding a comfortable, quiet and private place with a lot of light.”
Ana Pujols McKee, M.D., executive vice president, chief medical officer, and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, The Joint Commission, was quoted in the news release saying that “The appropriate use of telehealth has the power to make healthcare more accessible for patients with diverse health needs and for underserved communities. However, as with any healthcare experience, there is room for human error and miscommunication. Patients can have a better telehealth experience by becoming aware of the benefits and risks of telehealth and speaking up when they have questions or concerns.”
Educational information on the campaign is available in English and Spanish. More information on the Speak Up At Your Telehealth Visit campaign can be found here.
