The Impact of Telehealth on Cost and Time Efficiency for Patients With Disabilities During Nonemergency Encounters: A Scoping Review.

Abstract

Background: Telehealth services have expanded in recent years, showing promising potential to improve health care access. This review examined the impact of telehealth on individuals of all ages living with chronic disabilities with a focus on cost, as well as other key outcomes such as time efficiency, clinical outcomes, and patient satisfaction.

Methods: PRISMA guidelines were followed to examine US-based studies between 2018 and 2024 across 4 databases using keywords related to cost, telehealth, and disability. Studies were screened using Covidence software. Two reviewers independently assessed studies for inclusion. Data was extracted using a standardized form and thematically analyzed.

Results: Out of 230 preliminary studies, 8 met the inclusion criteria. Telehealth interventions were found to be time and cost effective with comparable clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction for individuals of all ages with disabilities. However, some challenges of integrating processes in emergency departments resulting in longer stays and implementation issues were noted.

Discussion: Although cost benefits were evident for patients, programs, and health systems, successful implementation depends on resolving challenges related to digital infrastructure, equitable access, and patient-practitioner rapport.

Conclusion: Telehealth represents a promising approach to improving health care access for individuals with disabilities, if implementation challenges are strategically addressed.