Telemedicine in Minority and Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Communities Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors

Arianna Victoria Ramirez
Macaulay Ojeaga, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Victor Espinoza
Blake Hensler
Vincent Honrubia

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-28-2020

Abstract

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many otolaryngology practices worldwide have chosen to shift their consultations from in-person to telemedicine. The addition of the telemedicine model has allowed many physicians to resume their clinical duties while maintaining social distancing. Access to telemedicine generally relies on the patient’s ability to obtain and use technology—factors that are usually dictated by age, education, and socioeconomic status. The Rio Grande Valley, the home of the South Texas Sinus Institute, is a border community situated on the southern tip of Texas. The population is predominantly Hispanic, Spanish speaking, and of a lower socioeconomic level. The aim of this commentary is to describe the effects of the transition to telemedicine in a vulnerable community and the possible improvements that could be made to facilitate access to this resource.

Comments

Original published version available at https://doi.org/10.1177/2F0194599820947667

https://aao-hnsfjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/share/2AB8ANAAINARWNIFWHXC?target=10.1177/0194599820947667

Recommended Citation

Ramirez, A. V., Ojeaga, M., Espinoza, V., Hensler, B., & Honrubia, V. (2020). Telemedicine in Minority and Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Communities Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1177/0194599820947667

Publication Title

Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery

DOI

10.1177/0194599820947667

Academic Level

medical student