During the last seven months, in two rural South Carolina counties, over 1,000 patients under doctor’s care have not seen any medical providers for treatment. COVID-19 has played a role, but this population has pre-existing health disparities that create an additional burden.

South Carolina’s healthcare ranks seventh worst in the nation, and the state only averages 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents. With a rural landscape and above-average percentages of people with low incomes, chronic conditions, and a lack of access to primary care, the state has become a testbed for the development of telehealth and telemedicine programs.*

This concept seeks to bridge the gap between the rural patient, the technology and badly needed medical care.  A Mobile TeleMedTech is equipped to provide in-home telemedicine access to seniors, the underserved, and most vulnerable populations living in rural communities. These are patients who are unable to access healthcare for regular checkups not to mention testing for COVID-19 during the Pandemic.

This solution relies on the synergies of a strong strategic partnership between four sectors: Home Health Care, Community Health Centers, Technology, and Communication partners to ensure program success

Approach

The Mobile TeleMedTech Pilot would focus on Hampton, Jasper, and Charleston counties in the lower coastal region of South Carolina. The pilot would focus on a total of 250 participants over the course of 12 months. Mobile TeleMedTechs will travel to patient homes to collect current patient vitals, such as temperature, blood pressure, weight, and set up telemedicine equipment for the patients’ appointment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and amplified many of the systematic disadvantages and barriers that challenge the elderly and those most vulnerable to health disparities. These individuals are just trying to survive during these adverse economic conditions.  No individual should be denied the framework of healthcare simply due to a lack of Wi-Fi access.

Economic Impact

Finally, the Mobile TeleMedTech offers an economic impact to the region which also has a high unemployment rate. The pilot would seek to employ individuals in the immediate region to provide the service to the target audience. This outcome aligns with the CHCs ongoing mission of meeting the health care needs of patients, while serving as an economic engine in the counties by offering entry level employment for health care professionals.

* https://mhealthintelligence.com/news/south-carolina-telehealth-network-to-benefit-from-broadband-funds