Scholarlink

<p>Family childcare (FCC) providers face significant barriers to healthcare access. This mixed methods study examined telehealth utilization among FCC providers, their perceptions of its effects on healthcare access, and its role in workforce retention. Surveys were administered at three time points (<i>N</i> = 120, 94, and 90) to members of a statewide FCC network offering free telemedicine and teletherapy services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 providers. Enrollment ranged from 47% to 58%, while only 30% to 39% of enrolled providers used services. Telemedicine was used far more frequently than teletherapy (73–90% vs. 5–13%). Among users, 100% reported that telehealth supported their physical health, and 89–100% indicated it helped them remain in the workforce. Qualitative findings revealed that telehealth addressed structural barriers to care. However, telehealth’s role in retention varied by insurance status: for uninsured providers, it served as a critical safety net; for insured providers, it served as a valued supplement. Policy factors emerged as more salient threats to workforce participation than healthcare access alone. Findings suggest telehealth can meaningfully support FCC providers’ well-being but cannot substitute for broader systemic reforms.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Connected Care: Exploring Telehealth Use and Provider Well-Being in Family Childcare

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月28日

查看全文
  • Courtney Beers Dewhirst,
  • Sarah E. Connelly,
  • Lisa White,
  • Amber H. Beisly,
  • David McLeod

摘要

Family childcare (FCC) providers face significant barriers to healthcare access. This mixed methods study examined telehealth utilization among FCC providers, their perceptions of its effects on healthcare access, and its role in workforce retention. Surveys were administered at three time points (N = 120, 94, and 90) to members of a statewide FCC network offering free telemedicine and teletherapy services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 providers. Enrollment ranged from 47% to 58%, while only 30% to 39% of enrolled providers used services. Telemedicine was used far more frequently than teletherapy (73–90% vs. 5–13%). Among users, 100% reported that telehealth supported their physical health, and 89–100% indicated it helped them remain in the workforce. Qualitative findings revealed that telehealth addressed structural barriers to care. However, telehealth’s role in retention varied by insurance status: for uninsured providers, it served as a critical safety net; for insured providers, it served as a valued supplement. Policy factors emerged as more salient threats to workforce participation than healthcare access alone. Findings suggest telehealth can meaningfully support FCC providers’ well-being but cannot substitute for broader systemic reforms.