Health Equity of Telehealth Use for Underserved Populations

Date of Award

Fall 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

Committee Chair

Crissie Jameson

Committee Member

Dean Hindenlang

Committee Member

Ronald Bucci

Abstract

This study investigated how healthcare physicians described telehealth to support healthcare access for underserved populations in the United States. Emphasis on how physicians utilize telehealth and their perception of the challenges and strengths of using the healthcare platform with underserved populations was examined. Underserved populations experience barriers to using telehealth to receive medical care. Accessibility, health literacy, geographical location, and social determinants of health can impact telehealth use. The research problem for the study was the challenge healthcare providers face in giving equitable and effective care through telehealth to underserved populations. Using a qualitative descriptive method design, 10 one-on-one, semi-structured interviews were conducted to understand the providers’ assessment and description of telehealth use for underserved populations. Braun and Clark’s thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Physician’s currently providing telehealth services described the challenges of accessibility to the internet, smartphones, or computers as barriers to effective telehealth use, while the benefits include increased visit availability, visit compliance, and the ability to schedule during the workday.

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