Best practices for using telehealth to improve health outcomes
Dr. Rob’s Notes for Video
Telehealth can improve health outcomes by providing increased access to care, reducing the need for patients to travel to receive care, and improving the continuity and coordination of care.
To ensure that telehealth is used in ways that will improve health outcomes, it is important to establish clear goals and objectives for its use, to evaluate its effectiveness, and to incorporate it into overall healthcare delivery systems.
This should be done in collaboration with patients, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.Best practices for using telehealth to improve health outcomes
Learn It
Telehealth can significantly improve health outcomes when it is used intentionally and consistently. It expands access to care for people who live far from clinics, have mobility challenges, or need frequent follow-ups for chronic conditions. Telehealth reduces travel time, improves convenience, and makes it easier for patients to stay engaged in their healthcare plans. To truly improve outcomes, healthcare teams must establish clear goals—such as improving medication adherence, monitoring symptoms more closely, or increasing patient education.
Evaluating telehealth effectiveness helps identify what is working and what needs adjustment. Successful telehealth programs are integrated into the larger healthcare system and supported by strong communication between patients, providers, and digital health navigators. When used well, telehealth strengthens continuity of care, reduces missed appointments, and supports early intervention before problems become emergencies.
Live It
Try setting a personal telehealth goal, such as attending a virtual appointment, using a patient portal to review lab results, or connecting a digital health device. Notice how convenience and clarity affect your engagement. Explore how telehealth follow-ups can support long-term conditions like asthma, diabetes, or hypertension—reviewing symptoms through apps, logging readings, or messaging providers with questions.
Reflect on what makes virtual care feel seamless: good lighting, stable internet, organized health information, and clear communication. If possible, talk with someone who uses telehealth regularly and ask what features improve their health or make care easier. Understanding real patient experiences helps you appreciate how telehealth contributes to better outcomes and where improvements are still needed.
Share It
Create a short list or infographic titled “Best Practices for Telehealth Success” and share it with classmates or in your Force for Health feed. Include tips such as: prepare questions in advance, check your technology ahead of time, track symptoms consistently, and communicate openly with your provider.
Encourage others to explore how telehealth can help manage chronic conditions, reduce hospital visits, and support healthy habits between appointments. You can also share a reflection on how clear goals and continuous evaluation strengthen telehealth programs. By spreading awareness, you help others use telehealth more effectively and contribute to a culture of proactive, connected healthcare.
