How Much Telehealth Do Patients Need? Researchers Weigh In

Researchers from West Virginia University have set out to determine the optimal frequency of telehealth appointments for patients with chronic conditions.  

In a study published in E-Health Telecommunication Systems and Networks, the team reviewed other work concerning telehealth and chronic conditions.

They found that virtual care services benefited patients more if they continued for about a year rather than ending after six months.  

However, they said, more data is still needed.   

"Developing clinical implementation knowledge for community dwelling individuals who experience [multiple chronic conditions] in relation to the effectiveness, cost, cost-effectiveness, and the patient experience will be crucial to realizing the promise and potential of telehealth," wrote researchers in the study.