Research and Outcomes

Telehealth Research

The MUSC Center for Telehealth is one of two federally recognized National Telehealth Centers of Excellence (COE) as designated by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in 2017. In 2021, the COE was renewed to receive a total of $16.25 million over 5 years to fill important gaps in the national telehealth landscape through a combination of ongoing regional and national collaborations, as well as proactive dissemination of telehealth resources. In 2023, the COE supported over 50 faculty and staff who were focused on the following areas:

1. Impact on Federal and Local Healthcare Spending
2. HIV Prevention and Treatment
3. Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
4. Rural Hospital Support
5. Telehealth Primary Care Models

Visit the COE website to view telehealth research findings.  In 2023, nearly 100 peer-reviewed articles on telehealth were published by South Carolina researchers.  

Alternate Health Access Points Through Telehealth

The SCTA continues to partner with the SC Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare (CRPH) to explore alternate health access points through telehealth. In 2023, SC CRPH conducted a study on library patrons' attitudes and perceptions regarding accessing telehealth through libraries. Results showed positive implications as most study participants indicated they would use telehealth services if they were offered at their local library. Participants also expressed the need for assistance with medical devices and technology. This study will inform the expansion and replication of libraries becoming health access points through telehealth utilization. 

SCTA New Rural and Primary Care Telehealth Workgroup

The SCTA introduced its new Rural and Primary Care Telehealth Workgroup in 2023, co-led by the SC Center for Primary Healthcare (SC CRPH) and Palmetto Care Connections (PCC). Dedicated to identifying and improving telehealth in underserved regions of the state, the workgroup administered a “SC Provider Perspective Survey” during the year to assess barriers to telehealth use. With 325 survey responses, the top three barriers to telehealth use were technical difficulties, patient digital literacy, and telehealth reimbursement. The workgroup will further analyze survey responses during the upcoming year and formulate strategies to help alleviate these barriers.