Communicating with People with Disabilities

The failure of health care providers to communicate effectively and appropriately with people with disabilities is a major barrier to delivering quality health care. The following information identifies general recommendations for communicating with people with disabilities in general and for individuals with specific disabilities. If you are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with communication strategies, learn more about specific types of disability to increase your comfort level and communication skills.

Recommendations for Communicating with Older Adults During Telehealth Encounters

Equitable and Accessible Care Accounts for Older Adults’ Physical and Cognitive Differences

Pre-Visit Patient Questions: Cognitive Assessment

To keep a telehealth visit running smoothly for both patient and provider, it is important to understand what types of cognitive accommodations your patients may need for a telehealth visit before the visit ever takes place. The following is a set of questions geared for patients that must be administered by a person on your staff (not a form where the patient self reports). The screener can be done ahead of the telehealth visit over the phone or in person.

Pre-Visit Patient Questions: Hearing Assessment

To keep a telehealth visit running smoothly for both patient and provider, it is important to understand what types of hearing accommodations your patients may need for a telehealth visit before the visit ever takes place. The following is a set of questions geared for patients that can be included in intake forms or asked of the patient by a staff member ahead of a telehealth appointment.

Pre-Visit Patient Questions: Vision Assessment

To keep a telehealth visit running smoothly for both patient and provider, it is important to understand what types of vision accommodations your patients may need for a telehealth visit before the visit ever takes place. The following is a set of questions geared for patients that can be included in intake forms or asked of the patient by a staff member ahead of a telehealth appointment.

Equitable and Accessible Care

Health equity is often at the forefront of many healthcare related discussions and concerns, and this is especially true when considering telehealth. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) defines health equity as “the opportunity for everyone to receive the health care they need and deserve, regardless of social or economic status.”

Leveraging Telehealth in Long-Term Care

Toolkit assembled by the University of Virginia to leverage telehealth in long term care and promote best practices for supporting vulnerable populations.

Using Telehealth to Provide Care Delivery Options to Patients

Case study highlighting Jefferson Health’s telehealth program, offering patients diverse care options, and promoting collaboration among providers, patients, and caregivers. The program’s emphasis on provider education and support to providers has resulted in increased comfort in using telehealth with vulnerable populations.

A Practical Guide to Telehealth: Implementing telehealth in post-acute and long-term care settings

Toolkit to support organizations that want to effectively implement telehealth in post-acute and long-term care settings.

A practical guide to expanding home-based primary care with telehealth.

Toolkit to support organizations that want to more efficiently deliver home-based care to older adults.

Using Telehealth to Expand Healthcare Access for Older Adults

Case study highlighting how the Geisinger at Home program utilized telehealth services, incorporating a physician extender care model and community health assistants, to expand their outreach to homebound patients in rural areas.

Identifying Barriers to Telehealth Home-Based Palliative Care for Patients with Serious Illness — The HomePal Study

Research report on the HomePal study which provides evidence and policy guidance to ensure effective, quality home-based palliative care through telehealth.