Telemedicine in Minority and Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Communities Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many otolaryngology practices worldwide have chosen to shift their consultations from in-person to telemedicine. The addition of the telemedicine model has allowed many physicians to resume their clinical duties while maintaining social distancing. Access to telemedicine generally relies on the patient's ability to obtain and use technology-factors that are usually dictated by age, education, and socioeconomic status. The Rio Grande Valley, the home of the South Texas Sinus Institute, is a border community situated on the southern tip of Texas. The population is predominantly Hispanic, Spanish speaking, and of a lower socioeconomic level. The aim of this commentary is to describe the effects of the transition to telemedicine in a vulnerable community and the possible improvements that could be made to facilitate access to this resource.

Automated summary

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many otolaryngology practices have shifted to telemedicine consultations, which rely on patients' ability to use technology, influenced by factors such as age, education, and socioeconomic status. The Rio Grande Valley, a predominantly Hispanic and Spanish-speaking border community in Texas, has faced challenges in accessing telemedicine due to its lower socioeconomic level, highlighting the need for improvements in resource access.