In June 2024, a survey requesting information about telehealth services and delivery in New York school-based health centers (SBHCs) was developed by Apex in partnership with the New York School Based Health Alliance (NYSBHA). The survey included questions about telehealth prioritization, dedicated resources and capacity to deliver telehealth services, and community engagement in implementation. The respondents had several opportunities throughout the survey to provide additional information in their own words.
Sixty-seven percent of SBHC medical sponsoring organizations in the state of New York responded to Apex’s survey about telehealth at their organization. Through careful analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data, several themes emerged. These included but were not limited to the advantages and barriers SBHCs are experiencing with implementing telehealth patient service delivery.
Identified needs from SBHCs included:
- Advocacy to support telehealth policies and reimbursement
- Training on how to use telehealth systems and equipment
- Help with workflows and service delivery
- Outreach and engagement (multi-lingual)
- Check-in and check-out procedures
- How to build rapport with patients via telehealth
Advice from SBHCs included:
- Develop or modify policies and procedures to support SBHC telehealth practices
- Have safety plans in place and ensure staff are comfortable helping those in crisis
- Inform patients about the value and limitations of utilizing telehealth for clinical care
Telehealth is an important tool and option to support patient access and continuity of care. An area of improvement identified is improving communication about telehealth availability, benefits, and considerations with school leadership, families, and youth. SBHCs can also continue to leverage telehealth to partner with other providers and community organizations to improve collaboration and coordinated care for their patients.
FINAL REPORT
SURVEY BRIEF