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Welcome to the 2021 Telehealth Equity Catalyst Awards
Background
Many communities across the nation lack sufficient broadband availability and/or reliable cellular service, and the cost of these technologies is a barrier to millions more. For some, a lack of digital literacy is a substantial barrier to the use of telehealth. For others, underlying deficits in trust in the healthcare system are often magnified by a sense of intrusion with these technologies. Additional barriers may exist for those with sensory limitations and for non-English speakers, as well as for those who need a family member or guardian to participate in their care. While telehealth has the capability to advance health care equity for many populations, particularly rural and underserved communities, ignoring the current barriers puts it at risk for widening disparities in access to care rather than narrowing them. Additionally, in order to promote equitable access to care, physicians need to be aware of, address, and apply efforts to mitigate these potential barriers, as well as their own cultural biases and potential personal bias for or against telehealth.
Call for Nominations
The AAMC aims to recognize and highlight the efforts of AAMC member institutions that are advancing health care equity through telehealth and health technology in new and effective ways. AAMC member institutions are encouraged to nominate programs that demonstrate a positive impact on barriers associated with telehealth and health technology. Nominated programs must fall into one of two categories:
Nomination Eligibility
Only AAMC-member medical schools and health systems are eligible for an award. AAMC member-institutions may submit at most one nomination per track. Self-nominations are welcome.
Nomination Submission
The nomination form must be completed online. Applicants are encouraged to develop and save their responses in a separate document before submitting the online application form.
Submission Deadline
Nominations must be received by June 7, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Please submit the online nomination form and include an institutional letter of support. Incomplete nominations will not be considered or reviewed.
Many communities across the nation lack sufficient broadband availability and/or reliable cellular service, and the cost of these technologies is a barrier to millions more. For some, a lack of digital literacy is a substantial barrier to the use of telehealth. For others, underlying deficits in trust in the healthcare system are often magnified by a sense of intrusion with these technologies. Additional barriers may exist for those with sensory limitations and for non-English speakers, as well as for those who need a family member or guardian to participate in their care. While telehealth has the capability to advance health care equity for many populations, particularly rural and underserved communities, ignoring the current barriers puts it at risk for widening disparities in access to care rather than narrowing them. Additionally, in order to promote equitable access to care, physicians need to be aware of, address, and apply efforts to mitigate these potential barriers, as well as their own cultural biases and potential personal bias for or against telehealth.
Call for Nominations
The AAMC aims to recognize and highlight the efforts of AAMC member institutions that are advancing health care equity through telehealth and health technology in new and effective ways. AAMC member institutions are encouraged to nominate programs that demonstrate a positive impact on barriers associated with telehealth and health technology. Nominated programs must fall into one of two categories:
- Track 1—Clinical delivery: Programs identifying and addressing barriers associated with accessing care via telehealth and technology, particularly for underserved and vulnerable communities
- Track 2—Medical training: Programs training physicians on the health care equity implications of telehealth, including approaches to mitigate inequities in delivering care via telehealth
Nomination Eligibility
Only AAMC-member medical schools and health systems are eligible for an award. AAMC member-institutions may submit at most one nomination per track. Self-nominations are welcome.
Nomination Submission
The nomination form must be completed online. Applicants are encouraged to develop and save their responses in a separate document before submitting the online application form.
Submission Deadline
Nominations must be received by June 7, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Please submit the online nomination form and include an institutional letter of support. Incomplete nominations will not be considered or reviewed.