Health Services Specialist Wei-Wei C. knows it’s not easy for patients to have a video telehealth appointment for the first time. They are relieved that they can continue to shelter in place while getting care, but they are still becoming accustomed to “screen life.”
“I completely understand that people are shy to just jump on telehealth,” Wei-Wei said. “I’ll walk them through the process, and this helps me have a better understanding of the patient experience. When they come onscreen for the first time, we’re both excited. I’ve had people say, ‘It’s nice to see your face!’ – even though I’m wearing a mask.”
Recently, Wei-Wei spoke with a patient who has a history of medical conditions that make it difficult to leave home, so a telehealth appointment was a great alternative. “There were a lot of pets in the background onscreen, and we talked about that,” she said. “We were able to connect in a way we normally wouldn’t have over the phone – or even in person.
“Telehealth is another way we can further build that trust with patients. Especially during this time when people really need reassurance, it means so much to be able to virtually come in to their homes and care for them in that sacred space.”
Tags: covid-19, telehealth, staff_stories