An Assessment of Access to Care: Telehealth Utilization at FQHCs in Alabama During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Date of Award

Fall 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

Committee Chair

Crissie Jameson

Committee Member

Bora Pajo

Committee Member

Niccole Hyatt

Abstract

During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth emerged as a primary modality for delivering healthcare services. Its potential for expanding access to care has become a significant area of interest, particularly for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). This exploratory qualitative study examined the perceptions of administrators and medical leaders at FQHCs in Alabama to determine how telehealth utilization during and after the pandemic could enhance access to care for the vulnerable populations served by these health centers.

Using purposive sampling, this study incorporated semi-structured interviews and open-ended survey responses of ten administrators and medical leaders representing eight of the 20 FQHCs and FQHC look-alikes in the state. Data were analyzed through the theoretical lens of the integrated BMHSU-UTAUT.

The findings gleaned from the participant responses revealed that while there was enhanced utilization of telehealth services at the height of the pandemic, much of this use declined as the COVID-19 vaccine was introduced and the public health emergency ended. Participants identified several barriers contributing to this decline, including limited access to technology, inadequate broadband access, and poor payer reimbursement. However, despite the obstacles, participants noted the potential for integrating telehealth in a hybrid model to improve chronic care management and continuity of care.

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