Did you know that in 2019, out of the 9.2 million veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system, about 33% lived in rural areas?
These veterans, who have served our nation with dedication, often face serious hurdles in getting the care they need.
For many, healthcare facilities are miles away, making it tough to travel for appointments. In fact, transportation issues are among the top five reasons veterans cancel their medical visits.
This gap in access can lead to delays in treatment, missed diagnoses, and poorer health outcomes. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Telehealth offers a game-changing solution for veterans.
It connects them to healthcare providers remotely, helping them get timely and specialized care without the need to travel.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to build a telehealth app designed to meet veterans’ unique needs.
From key features to the steps involved, we’ll show you how to create a solution that delivers care with the convenience and quality veterans deserve.
Understanding the Unique Needs of Veterans
Building a telehealth platform for veterans means understanding their unique challenges and healthcare needs. Veterans are a diverse group, spanning different ages, backgrounds, and service eras. Their healthcare needs reflect this diversity, making it crucial to design a platform that serves them all effectively.
6 Major Features of a Veterans Affairs (VA) Telehealth Platform
Building a telehealth platform for veterans is not just about technology; it’s about understanding their needs and designing features that truly serve them. Here are the essential features every veteran-centric telehealth platform should include:
1. VA System Integration
Veterans are already familiar with systems like My HealtheVet and VA Video Connect. Integrating your telehealth platform with these systems makes things easier for them.
Benefits include:
- Access to medical records in one place.
- Easy scheduling of appointments without juggling multiple platforms.
- Secure and familiar communication channels with providers.
This integration builds trust and ensures continuity of care.
2. Simple, User-Friendly Interface
Veterans come from diverse backgrounds with varying levels of tech skills. The platform should be easy to use for everyone.
Key design features:
- Clear instructions and simple navigation.
- Accessibility options like screen readers and adjustable fonts.
- Multi-language support for veterans from different linguistic backgrounds.
An intuitive platform means less frustration and more engagement.
3. Comprehensive Healthcare Services
Veterans need a wide range of care, from general health to specialized treatment.
Include services like:
- Primary care for routine check-ups.
- Mental health support such as therapy and counseling.
- Specialist consultations for cardiology, orthopedics, and more.
- Chronic condition management through remote monitoring tools like blood pressure or glucose trackers.
These features ensure veterans get the full spectrum of care they deserve.
4. Strong Privacy and Security
Veterans’ health data is sensitive. Protecting it is a must.
Security essentials:
- End-to-end encryption for all data.
- Secure login with strong authentication.
- Regular security checks and updates.
Adhering to HIPAA and other privacy laws keeps data safe and builds confidence.
5. Bridging the Digital Divide
Not all veterans have reliable internet or devices for telehealth. Addressing this is critical.
How to help:
- Partner with organizations to provide better internet in underserved areas.
- Offer affordable or free devices to veterans in need.
- Set up telehealth access points in community spaces like libraries and veterans’ centers.
A great example is the VA’s program to distribute iPads to veterans, which has made telehealth accessible to many.
6. Specialized Resources and Support
Beyond healthcare, veterans need help with other aspects of life.
Include resources like:
- Guides to VA benefits and how to access them.
- Mental health resources like crisis hotlines and support groups.
- Connections to community services for social and economic support.
These features empower veterans to improve their overall quality of life.
Benefits of a Dedicated Telehealth Platform for Veterans
A telehealth platform designed for veterans isn’t just a convenience—it’s a game-changer. Here’s how it transforms healthcare for veterans:
1. Better Accessibility
- It brings healthcare to their homes, removing the need for long trips.
- Veterans with mobility issues can receive care comfortably and without physical barriers.
2. Convenience and Flexibility
- Virtual care means no travel, saving time, money, and effort.
- Appointments can fit into their schedules, whether it’s around work or family commitments.
3. Consistent Care
- Veterans can manage chronic conditions with frequent virtual visits.
- It allows quick communication with doctors for questions, medication changes, or proactive care.
4. Cost Savings
- Veterans save on travel costs, especially for specialized care in distant locations.
- Early intervention through remote monitoring prevents costly ER visits or hospital stays.
- It reduces strain on healthcare facilities, making care delivery more efficient.
5. Improved Patient Experience
- They can actively participate in their care, making it more personal and engaging.
- Studies show veterans using telehealth are more likely to keep appointments and follow their treatment plans.
- The VA has also improved the telehealth experience, addressing technical challenges and ensuring equal access.
By investing in a telehealth platform tailored to veterans, we create a healthcare system that’s accessible, affordable, and empowering for those who’ve served.
Building and Implementing a Veteran-Centric Telehealth Platform
Turning the idea of a veteran-focused telehealth platform into reality takes thoughtful planning and the right approach. Here’s how to make it happen:
1. Strong Partnerships
Collaboration is key to success. Partner with the right people and organizations to create a platform that truly works for veterans.
- VA Stakeholders: Work with the VA’s Office of Connected Care and other programs to align with their existing systems.
- Healthcare Providers: Involve VA doctors and specialists to ensure the platform fits their needs and workflows.
- Tech Experts: Team up with companies that specialize in secure video calls, EHR systems, and remote monitoring tools.
- Veteran Organizations: Partner with groups that support veterans to better understand their needs and promote the platform.
These collaborations help create a platform that’s reliable, useful, and widely accessible.
2. Reliable Technology
The backbone of any telehealth platform is its technology. Focus on tools that are secure, user-friendly, and scalable.
- Video Conferencing: Choose a HIPAA-compliant platform with high-quality video and features like screen sharing.
- EHR Integration: The platform should connect seamlessly with the VA’s health record system to simplify scheduling and communication.
- Remote Monitoring Devices: Include easy-to-use tools that help veterans track their health and share updates with their doctors.
Make sure all technology works together smoothly and can grow with future needs.
3. Follow Regulations
Compliance is non-negotiable in healthcare. Ensure your platform meets all the rules to keep veterans’ data safe and legal.
- HIPAA Compliance: Protect patient information with encryption, access controls, and secure data storage.
- State Licensing: Understand and follow state rules for telehealth providers, especially for cross-state care.
- DEA Regulations: Set up clear procedures for prescribing medications safely and legally through telehealth.
By prioritizing security and compliance, you build trust and ensure long-term success.
How We Can Help You Build a Veteran-Focused Telehealth Platform
At SyS Creations, we understand the unique challenges veterans face in accessing quality care. We specialize in creating telehealth solutions that bridge these gaps, empowering veterans and enhancing their healthcare experience. Here’s how we can help:
1. Building a Veteran-Centric Platform
We can design and build a telehealth platform tailored to veterans’ needs. From integrating tools like VA Video Connect to patient portals and remote monitoring, our goal is to create a seamless and user-friendly experience for veterans and healthcare providers.
2. Integrating with VA Systems
Our team ensures that the platform connects smoothly with the VA’s existing systems, like VistA or its successor. This integration supports secure data sharing, simplifies scheduling, and enhances continuity of care.
3. Bridging the Digital Divide
For veterans without internet access, we can help utilize programs like the VA’s Connected Devices Program. This provides veterans with devices and internet access, making telehealth more accessible.
4. Meeting Compliance Standards
We ensure the platform adheres to strict regulations, including DEA rules for prescribing controlled substances via telehealth.
5. Expanding Nationwide Access
We can help the VA reach veterans across the country, leveraging the “Anywhere to Anywhere” provisions of the Mission Act to ensure care is available regardless of location.
6. Supporting Rural and Mental Health Needs
We design solutions that focus on rural veterans and expand access to mental health services, ensuring these vital services reach those who need them most.
At SyS Creations, we’re committed to helping the VA provide:
- Convenient, accessible care for veterans.
- Improved health outcomes with timely and proactive interventions.
- A personalized, satisfying healthcare experience.
Together, we can create a telehealth platform that truly makes a difference for our nation’s heroes. Let’s work towards transforming veteran care with innovative, veteran-focused solutions.