Page 121 - IJPS-10-4

International Journal of
Population Studies Gender disparities in pandemic telehealth use

treatment to a telehealth care paradigm, facilitating witnessed the development of various telehealth tools,
remote patient–provider communication. The utilization including remote patient monitoring, video consultations,
of telehealth, particularly through video conversations and electronic health records (Ackerman et al., 2010).
(commonly referred to as telemedicine), witnessed a The expansion of broadband Internet further facilitated
significant surge during this period (Alexander et al., 2020). real-time video consultations, making telehealth a
Notably, telehealth platforms are increasingly recognized viable option for a broader range of medical services
as accessible and practical tools, playing a pivotal role in (Ekeland et al., 2010). Notably, the evolution of regulatory
reducing physical human interactions and managing the frameworks and reimbursement strategies played a
spread of the pandemic (Bokolo, 2021). substantial role in amplifying the adoption of telehealth.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults Numerous insurance entities acknowledged the economic
emerged as the most vulnerable group, facing increased advantages of telehealth, subsequently incorporating
risks of morbidity and mortality associated with the virus coverage for online consultations (Dorsey & Topol,
(Whiteman et al., 2021). This heightened vulnerability 2016). Moreover, integrating telehealth with electronic
prompted a significant transformation in health-care health records has proven beneficial in enhancing patient
delivery. Telehealth swiftly became a vital solution, offering outcomes, particularly in managing chronic conditions
continuous medical services remotely when reducing the (Gandrup et al., 2020). Telehealth undoubtedly holds
risk of virus transmission (Bokolo, 2021). However, this promise in enhancing health-care delivery for underserved
digital transition was not universally accessible. Many populations by facilitating broader access to specialized
older adults, particularly those with limited resources and services, elevating health literacy, and expanding the
information and communication technology (ICT) literacy, health-care workforce via virtual education and training
encountered obstacles in harnessing telehealth benefits (Ackerman et al., 2010).
(Choi et al., 2022). Compounding the age challenges, 1.1. Expansion of telehealth during the COVID-19
gender disparities in health-care access and outcomes have pandemic
also been a longstanding concern, with numerous studies
highlighting the differential treatment, access, and outcomes The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point in
experienced by different genders (Chang et al., 2021; Shibli the evolution of telehealth. Faced with multifaceted
et al., 2021). The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic further challenges, global health-care systems urgently seek to
accentuated these disparities, bringing them to the forefront minimize in-person interactions. Telehealth emerged
of global health discussions. Studies have reported that as a critical solution, enabling the continuation of non-
women, particularly those from marginalized communities, emergency medical services while reducing the risk of
face unique barriers to accessing and utilizing telehealth virus transmission. A 2021 cohort study underscored a
services (Shibli et al., 2021). Factors such as socioeconomic notable shift in care delivery methods following the initial
constraints, limited technological literacy, and traditional surge of COVID-19 in the United States of America (US)
gender roles can also further impede women’s full (Weiner et al., 2021). The data revealed an 18% reduction in
participation in the digital health realm (Choi et al., 2022; ambulatory visits between March and June 2020 compared
Kruse & Heinemann, 2022; Zhang et al., 2021). to the same period in 2019. In contrast, telehealth adoption
escalated dramatically from a modest 0.3% in 2019 to an
As an innovative mode of health-care delivery, telehealth impressive 23.6% in 2020 (Weiner et al., 2021). Factors
holds the promise of bridging some of these disparities. such as increased disease burden, COVID-19 prevalence,
However, its effectiveness is intrinsically linked to its and greater social resources were identified as drivers
accessibility and usability, especially among older groups. of this heightened telehealth utilization (Weiner et al.,
As we navigate the evolving health-care landscape shaped 2021). Indisputably, the pandemic catalyzed the rapid
by the pandemic, it becomes imperative to address and integration of telehealth from a supplementary service to
understand the gender disparities in telehealth utilization a mainstream health-care delivery method. In response,
among older adults. Addressing these disparities is crucial regulatory entities and insurance agencies quickly
to guaranteeing that all individuals, regardless of age or adapted, offering more flexible reimbursement policies
gender, have equitable access to health care and can achieve and reducing regulatory barriers to service development
optimal health outcomes (Campos-Castillo & Anthony, (Chang et al., 2021).
2020).
1.2. Telehealth use among older adults
th
st
The late 20 and early 21 centuries witnessed rapid
technological advancements, particularly in the fields of The digital revolution in health care has ushered in the
Internet connectivity and mobile technology. This period era of telehealth, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic
Volume 10 Issue 4 (2024) 115 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.1817