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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Dissemination Audiences for Rural Telehealth Programs

A number of audiences may benefit from learning more about rural telehealth programs. Target audiences should include individuals both internal and external to the telehealth program being implemented or expanded.

Sharing information with internal audiences can increase buy-in and support for the telehealth program — and both are important for success. For example, leadership, staff, healthcare providers, and other employees should be informed that the telehealth solution is available and be aware of how it is implemented.

Sharing information with external audiences can ensure broad awareness and knowledge of the telehealth solution. External audiences should be informed of the potential benefits of the telehealth program and be aware of how to direct patients to access telehealth services.

Internal and external audiences to consider in dissemination include:

  • Administrative leadership and staff – individuals who support the implementation, expansion, and sustainability of the telehealth program.
  • Healthcare providers and support staff – those who use the telehealth tool(s) to provide services to their patients.
  • Referring providers – other healthcare providers who refer patients to or recommend the telehealth program.
  • Other employees – other program employees should know that telehealth is available and encouraged.
  • Health insurance providers – sharing information directly with insurers can help make the case for telehealth solutions and services that should be covered.
  • Partners – supporting organizations who either help to implement the telehealth solution and/or work closely with the population served.
  • Other community organizations – other organizations in the community may refer patients to use the telehealth services offered; examples include community-based and faith-based organizations.
  • Employers and employees – increasing awareness of available telehealth and telemedicine services among local employers and their employees can improve support and utilization of those services.
  • Prospective and current patients and their families – patients and/or their families should be aware of the telehealth services and programs being offered. Involving patients can be particularly important if they have provided their data for any research or evaluation projects.
  • Community members – community support for telehealth is an important component of success.

Resources to Learn More

Lessons Learned and Advice Drawn from Case Studies
Website
Offers advice and lessons learned from 14 telehealth programs and/or remote patient monitoring (RPM) systems. Covers information on communications, leadership and buy-in, education and training, enrollment, and process improvement. Includes summaries of individual telehealth or RPM case studies.
Organization(s): LeadingAge