Explanation
This ordinance authorizes Columbus Public Health to enter into a grant agreement with The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute in support of efforts to enhance telehealth participation for sickle cell disease patients.
As telehealth quickly became a prominent mode of healthcare delivery because of Covid 19, an informal survey regarding telehealth access was conducted of 20 random sickle cell patients being seen during one week in clinic. Of those 20 individuals, 10 barriers were identified amongst 6 patients. The Ohio State Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center provides care for over 400 patients with sickle cell disease. The majority of these patients with established care at The James live in the Columbus area. These Columbus patients with identified barriers to access would be the targeted constituency group. A formalized screening would be developed to allow for systemic identification of barriers needing to be addressed. The program would allow development of a menu of options such as cell phone plans, internet hot spots, cards for pre-paid cell phone minutes, and cell phone enhancements to accommodate physical disabilities (hearing or visual impairments) with the goal of breaking down barriers to utilization of telehealth.
Measurements of success will include increased telehealth participation amongst participants especially as Covid 19 remains a threat to public health, decreased no show and appointment cancellation rates, and improved health outcomes related to rapid access to healthcare providers.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the Health Operating Fund.
Emergency action is requested in order to avoid any delay in deploying resources to sickle cell disease patients to improve telehealth access.
Title
To authorize Columbus Public Health to enter into a grant agreement with The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute in support of efforts to enhance telehealth participation for sickle cell disease patie...
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