Differences in Challenges to Using Telehealth Among Older Adult Video and Telephone Users With Frailty: Retrospective Observational Study

Our study found that completing a video visit requires access to technology, the ability to use it, and a willingness to do so. Among older veterans with frailty, only a quarter completed a video visit, and this group comprised patients who already had access to video-capable technology, used it, and were comfortable with it. They were also more often physically and cognitively intact compared with those who used telephone visits. Strategies to expand the use of video visits in the care of older adults include screening older adults to identify individuals most likely to succeed and increasing access to simple home telehealth technology.