May 4, 2021, PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Postponing or avoiding health care can lead to negative health outcomes, especially for those with chronic disease. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many patients with chronic disease are encouraged to see their primary care providers using telemedicine. However, many of the members of our community that are most vulnerable to chronic disease, and at highest risk for coronavirus disease, also have the least access to the technology needed to use telemedicine effectively.
This may be because they do not have computers or tablets with audio/video conferencing capability, have limited English proficiency, are not familiar or comfortable with the technology, or do not have high-speed internet access.
Together with our partners, the Pawtucket Housing Authority and the Rhode Island Parent Information Network, Integra is piloting a new service to address this gap for the vulnerable members of our community.
We offer both technology (video-enabled tablets) and support (a bilingual community health worker) to assist adults living in senior housing complexes in using telemedicine to meet with their medical providers. In this initial pilot, we will serve adults who live at Burns Manor and Fogarty Manor in Pawtucket.
Support will be offered to any resident to see any provider, using that provider’s existing telemedicine platform. It is not limited to only Integra or Care New England providers.
How does it work?
- Patient or provider requests telehealth visit
- Dedicated community health worker (CHW) coordinates scheduling between provider and patient
- On day of visit, CHW assists with establishing video connection to provider
- After visit, CHW cleans and prepares space for next visit
Who is this service for?
- Adults who live at Burns Manor and Fogarty Manor in Pawtucket
- Any resident can see any provider (not limited to Integra or CNE providers)
How do providers or residents use this service?
- Providers and their patients who live at Burns or Fogarty Manor should reach out to our community health worker
- PawtucketTelehealth@ripin.org | (401) 479-7810
