Exciting new research has been published in the November issue of Telehealth and Medicine Today (THMT). Keep up with developments in the field and initiatives the journal brings to the forefront of health and care. Don’t miss your opportunity bridge research with the real world, as innovation moves out of academia and into real world implementation. To view the current issue click here.

Deadline for Next Issue Consideration: January 1, 2024
 

New Original Research
The Impact of Secure Messaging Telehealth Service on the Quality of Health Care
Dong-Gil Ko, PhD
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Secure messaging is the only rapidly growing virtual care in the telehealth ecosystem, and has been shown to positively affect patients manage chronic diseases, improve health awareness and literacy, and improve communication and care coordination. Providers have seen a 200% increase in secure messages in the past few years, and some are associated with medical visit avoidance and providers’ burnout. This raises questions about the value of secure messages and whether it impacts the quality of health care outcomes.

The study is an empirical assessment and evaluation of the extent to which and for whom secure messages improve the quality of health care. Electronic health records of adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with an active patient portal account who visited the Academic Medical Center between 2015-2020 were included in the analysis. Results reveal a negative relationship between patients who discuss their secure messages during their encounters and patient satisfaction. The results also show a stronger negative effect for the underrepresented minorities (Blacks and Hispanics).

The negative relationship between secure message exchanges and patient satisfaction may stem from different mental models between patients and providers as stocks of prior knowledge. Providers with their subject matter expertise have mental models that are incongruent with patients’ general health knowledge suggesting that the patients may struggle to recognize the value of new information, assimilate it, and apply it. On the other hand, effective communication is fundamental to patient satisfaction, and providers may be challenged to instill greater understanding during their average 18-minute encounters.

The proliferation of digital divide research in health care indicates that Blacks and Hispanics are at a disadvantage. More research is needed that probes into the role and value of secure messaging as health care providers begin to charge patients for this telehealth service.

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.30953/thmt.v8.435

Call for Themed Papers 

Telemedicine in Extreme Conditions: Overcoming Challenges in Disaster, War, Hostile, and Remote Environments

In extreme instances, civilian and healthcare fabrics are disrupted, and infrastructure and connectivity are often compromised –precisely when the demand for healthcare services is at its highest. Digital health solutions and telemedicine can play a critical role in providing support and relief in these situations to bridge the gap between patients and providers, creating innovative approaches that go beyond standard practices. In light of the urgent needs for critical care in remote environments across the globe, Telehealth and Medicine Today is pleased to announce this theme issue for multidisciplinary audiences, including verified digital heath experiences from patients.

For full details click here, or please visit https://telehealthandmedicinetoday.com/index.php/journal/callformanuscripts

AI & Tech in Telehealth CME Program 

THMT 2023 CME Program now available. The program features global researchers and market executives from the Annual ConV2X Symposium. Obtain real world guidance and education to navigate AI & Tech in Telehealth and Medicine. Collaborators include leaders from multidisciplinary global organizations including universities, health systems, payors, consortiums, platform providers, government, NGO, consultants, think tanks, clinicians, and others. View details at https://pdhinstitute.com/conv2x-telehealth

General Call for Manuscripts

Telehealth and Medicine Today (THMT) is increasing its frequency to 6X in 2024, and publish work on a bi-monthly schedule: February, April, June, August, October, and December. Respective deadlines will be the first of the month prior.

Be sure to tell readers where your data behind your research project can be accessed, where, and how. Authors should include hyperlinks to public databases to make it easier for the readers to find them.

Next Deadline is January 1, 2024

Call for Editors - We're Growing!

For details, please click here. Partners in Digital Health (PDH) journals are growing! We are recruiting global Editors, Associate Editors, Regional Editors, Peer Reviewers, and Early Career Reviewers. We are interested in engaging a broader diversity of individuals, across different demographics and nationalities. Early and established researchers and subject experts from developing countries and under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.

New THMT Manuscript Template

To make it a bit easier for aspiring early career researchers, those in the global south, and first time enterprise writers communicating research and implementation results to share with our audience, we have created a template for you to assist writing your research paper. Remember to submit your cover letter too! Download the THMT Manuscript Template at
https://telehealthandmedicinetoday.com/index.php/journal/libraryFiles/downloadPublic/7

Types of Submission Accepted
As innovation moves out of academia and into real world implementation, researchers and multidisciplinary stakeholders are invited to present new insights, original research, and results impacting the healthcare sector around the globe. Submit your study findings, review paper, case use, concept/methodology, pilot implementation, technical brief, short report, guidelines, negative and failed experiences, and letters to the editor. 

New THMT Middle East and North Africa
Pleased to announce the launch of the new THMT MENA HUB, led by Joe Hawayek, journal editors, and ecosystem stakeholders. Interested in joining? Contact Joe for further details, join the LinkedIn group, and invite your colleagues to join and stay current with initiatives at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9503790/ 
 

ConV2X 2024 – Claim Your Sponsor Discount through December Only!
Planning is underway for ConV2X 2024 Boston, MA, USA, September 2024. This is where research and innovation will collide! For details click here. Those of you interested in activating your company in 2024, fill out a sponsor inquiry form here. There is a 25% discount offered if payment is received before December 15, 2023.

Did you know Partners in Digital Health (PDH) open access publisher has Mission Pillars? The researcher is deliberate, methodical, and tests for results - while the innovator hits fast, pivots with multiple iterations, and accepts failure toward the path of discovery. We honor both.

It's time to look for alternatives to mega journals in scholarly publishing that meet your personal philosophy.

Make PDH journals your bridge from research to real world implementations.

Visit the 100% OPEN ACCESS with no limitations!
https://telehealthandmedicinetoday.com/index.php/journal
Call for Manuscripts 
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