June 2023

In This Issue: HSR&D Research on Telehealth

Overview: HSR&D Research on Telehealth

Telehealth leverages computer- and telephone-based technology with health informatics, specialty care, and case management to improve care access, delivery, and quality. It can also enhance Veterans’ and caregivers’ involvement in treatment through web-based applications such as MyHealtheVet that provide Veterans with access to their medical records and allow communication with the healthcare team. VA offers telehealth services in more than 50 specialty care areas, including primary care, mental healthcare, cardiology, and pain management.

Additionally, VA researchers at Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) centers such as the Health Equity and Rural Outreach Innovation Center and the Center for Health Information and Communication study innovations that enhance access to care, while a number of Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) programs, such as the eHealth Partnered Evaluation Initiative, EXTEND, and Virtual Care QUERI, promote the advancement of telehealth in VA and the use of emerging virtual care technology to improve Veterans’ access to care. QUERI also works with several operations partners, including VA’s Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and the VISN 1 Telemental Health Regional Hub, to develop and test materials and procedures that facilitate medication-assisted treatment delivery via telemedicine to Veterans at community-based outpatient clinics across the VA New England Healthcare System.

VA was an early adopter of telehealth technology and remains committed to increasing access to care for Veterans—especially those in rural locations—as HSR&D researchers work to expand understanding of how best to harness the potential of telehealth to improve Veterans’ access to high-quality care when and where they need it.