March and April 2025
Since the 2020 pandemic, more health care is being delivered through virtual means, including telehealth.
The California Telehealth Resource Center (CTRC) offers no-cost digital health resources and support services to providers who are using telehealth for patient appointments. CTRC is offering tools and training to providers to help you collect your patients’ Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) needs and is promoting best practices for patient engagement using telehealth.
Resources and Support Services include:
- Consulting on digital technical assistance
- Online resource library
- Live and recorded webinars
- Toolkits and program guides
Benefits of SDOH screening in a virtual setting include:
- Broader reach
- Enhanced privacy and comfort
- Reduced transportation barrier
- Ease of use
- Timely intervention – study shows telehealth outreach-based efforts may reduce emergency room visits
Best practices include:
- Setting the stage by becoming familiar with telehealth equipment and technology
- Improving your video presence such as eye contact, appropriate lighting, and neutral backgrounds
- Perfecting your "webside" manner such as facial expressions and verbal cues as well as remembering that standards of care, professionalism, and ethics are identical for virtual care and in-person visits
- Remembering the fundamentals such as practicing active listening and employing shared decision making.
Visit CTRC to learn more about the resources provided.