The Future of Telehealth: An example of necessary change in the culture of care-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The speaker addresses the widespread implementation of telehealth in behavioral health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting it's been around for decades with evidence-based practices supporting it. With about 20 participants involved, the speaker commends the quick shift to telehealth in response to COVID-19, particularly in opioid treatment. This rapid transition, completed in roughly two weeks, lacked a strategic plan, highlighting the challenges with regulatory and cultural resistance despite evidence of telehealth's safety and effectiveness. The speaker discusses telehealth's surge in utilization during COVID and its sustained growth, especially in rural areas. Emphasis is placed on barriers like cultural beliefs and regulatory hurdles. The necessity of a clear strategic plan, understanding confidentiality, and the benefits of telehealth, such as convenience and improved provider flexibility, are discussed. The importance of ongoing training and supervision to ensure sustained adoption, despite third-party payer resistance, is highlighted. Overall, the speaker emphasizes telehealth’s positive impact on patient care and the need to overcome cultural and structural barriers.

Keywords

telehealth

behavioral health

COVID-19 pandemic

opioid treatment

regulatory resistance

rural areas

cultural barriers

provider flexibility