What is Telehealth?

Telehealth allows for patients and providers to connect with one another remotely. The term "telehealth" does not refer to a specific service, but rather refers to a collection of care delivery models that can be utilized by both providers and patients. Telehealth services were available prior to COVID-19, but it wasn't until the pandemic where indivduals began utilizing this group of care modalities more frequently. The primary telehealth care modalities include live video, store-and-forward, remote patient monitoring, and mobile health. 

The Benefits of Telehealth

The use of telehealth services is associated with several benefits. Among these benefits include increased access to care for patients, timely and conveinent communication between patients and providers, and efficient coordination and collaboration of care between different providers. 

What is Interprofessional Collaboration?

Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) is known as the process of exchanging information between the various healthcare providers involved in a patient's care. According to Sullivan et al. (2015), interprofessional collaboration "happens when multiple health workers from different professional backgrounds work together with patients, families, carers and communities to deliver the highest quality of care" (para. 2). IPC facilitates the processes of care coordination and consultation. As it relates to the setting of primary care, IPC enables providers to engage other skilled individuals within a specific patient's care plan and enhances the overall process of care management and collaboration. Effective IPC contributes towards timely, cost-effective, patient-centered care with favorable outcomes by providers and patients.