Virtual Care in the Veterans Affairs Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders System of Care During the COVID-19 National Public Health Emergency

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmr.2021.01.007 · Published: May 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Telehealth & Digital Health

Simple Explanation

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has been increasing its use of virtual health, including video telehealth, for Veterans, especially those with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the VA significantly expanded its virtual care services to maintain continuity of care for Veterans with SCI/D, who are particularly vulnerable. Telehealth offers several advantages, such as improved access to specialists, better coordination of care, and increased patient satisfaction, making it a convenient and efficient way to deliver care.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

More than 25,000 eligible Veterans receive health care and services within the VA SCI/D System of Care

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
There was a dramatic increase in telehealth use within the SCI/D system of care during the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than a 400% increase in telehealth visits from FY2019 to FY2020.
2
A greater percentage of Veterans with SCI/D (52.3%) took advantage of VA telehealth services compared with the overall VA patient population (27.9%).
3
The VA is actively working to address the digital divide by providing resources like iPads and internet subsidies to ensure Veterans have the technology needed to participate in telehealth.

Research Summary

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) significantly increased the use of virtual care within its Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders (SCI/D) System of Care during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain continuity of care. Telehealth utilization among Veterans with SCI/D saw a dramatic increase, with a 400% rise in visits, and a higher percentage of SCI/D Veterans using telehealth compared to the general VA population. The VA is addressing technological barriers through programs like 'Digital Divide,' but challenges remain in optimizing virtual care, addressing barriers, and ensuring satisfaction among Veterans and clinicians.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Access to Care

Telehealth can significantly improve access to specialized care for Veterans with SCI/D, especially those in rural areas or with mobility limitations.

Improved Continuity of Care

Virtual care modalities ensure consistent communication and care, particularly during public health emergencies when in-person services are limited.

Future Development

Continued development and refinement of virtual health tools, involving people with disabilities, are crucial to address disparities and optimize care delivery.

Study Limitations

1
The International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury cannot be performed virtually.
2
There are still fundamental questions about the effectiveness of virtual health, how best to optimize care, limitations of telehealth.
3
The digital divide remains large between Americans with and without a disability.

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