“What Good Is That?” – Perspectives of Low-Income Older Adults Using Telehealth for Serious Illness Conversation

TL;DR

This study explores how low-income older adults in urban areas use and perceive telehealth for serious illness conversations, finding both benefits and barriers.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into telehealth acceptance among low-income older adults and suggests revisions to telehealth guidelines for equitable care.

Findings

Telehealth is seen as convenient for accessing healthcare appointments by some participants.

Many participants face physical and technological barriers to using telehealth effectively.

Participants expressed concerns about trust and meaningful connections with providers through telehealth.

Abstract

Telehealth offers an avenue for older adults to access providers for serious illness conversations. However, telehealth may be embraced by some and not by others. Urban-dwelling, low-income older adults have unique challenges in accessing continuous care, engaging with the healthcare system and receiving support to address serious illness care needs. To investigate telehealth acceptance, we conducted interviews with 46 residents of 3 Medicaid-funded assisted living facilities which provide social, functional, and clinical support to historically underserved populations. Interview transcripts were analyzed using conventional content analysis. We identified four qualitative themes. 1. Benefit: Telehealth Offers Convenience – Participants highlighted how telehealth facilitates access to healthcare appointments, making it easier to receive care. 2. Barrier: Technology Fluency and Access is Not Universal – Many described physical and technological barriers that limit their ability to use telehealth effectively. 3. Preference: General Distaste for Telehealth – This theme captures participants’ overall attitudes and gut reactions to telehealth, ranging from enthusiasm to skepticism. 4. Concern: Mistrust in Clinical Connection – Patients expressed concerns about trust, security, and the ability to build meaningful connections with providers through telehealth. A key finding is that telehealth, which is intended to expand access to care, may diminish trust in the therapeutic relationship between urban-dwelling low-income older adults and providers. We offer guidance to revise screening tools that assess urban-dwelling older adults’ comforts and readiness to engage with telehealth technology. We suggest amendments to the Department of Health and Human Services’ telehealth guidelines to improve equitable provision of telehealth services.