Partnering with rural libraries to increase telehealth utilization in New York state

Abstract

Background: New York State (NYS) residents living in rural communities experience multiple barriers to accessing healthcare.  Telehealth, or remote provision of healthcare services, could address these barriers. However, telehealth remains underutilized in rural communities due to limited access to broadband and lack of provider/patient awareness. Rural libraries could serve as telehealth hubs and thereby increase telehealth uptake.

Case Presentation: A community-academic partnership was formed between the University of Rochester Wilmot Cancer Institute and the Community Cancer Action Council, a group of 29 community stakeholders. The partnership surveyed libraries across NYS to assess telehealth capacity.  After identifying a library to pilot a telehealth hub, surveys were sent to that library’s patrons and staff to assess perspectives on telehealth. 

Fifty-three libraries (19.4%) responded to the initial survey, 92.2% of whom felt libraries could beneficially host telehealth hubs.  The Macedon Public Library was chosen as the pilot location as they had constructed a private telehealth booth. 60% of 48 Macedon community members surveyed indicated they would utilize telehealth in the library, while 89% of 9 Macedon library staff agreed they were committed to implementing telehealth services.

Conclusions:  We found high community interest in establishing a community telehealth hub in a library. In the next phase of the project, the community-academic partnership will promote use of telehealth to oncology providers.