In this episode, The DEI Shift talks with Dr. Jorge A. Rodriguez, a hospitalist and health technology expert and equity researcher, about digital health equity and how to bridge the digital divide.

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TRANSCRIPT

Show Notes
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[0:00] Intro

• Introduction of our co-hosts, the episode topic, and the guest, Dr. Jorge Rodriguez

[1:40] A Step in Their Shoes Segment

• Dr. Jorge Rodriguez discusses the influences of having a large family and being an immigrant to the United States on his career path

[3:33] Defining Telehealth 

• Dr. Rodriguez defines synchronous and asynchronous telemedicine 

[5:19] Expansion of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic

• The use of remote patient monitoring and virtual consults to minimize exposure to healthcare workers

[11:19] Digital Divide

• Dr. Rodriguez assesses the gap between those who can utilize digital health tools
• The degree of engagement can affect the accessibility to care 
• The existing disparities are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic

[14:53] Role models to address telehealth inequities 

• Dr. Rodriguez discusses new tools (digital health navigator, provision of devices) and local programs that target these disparities
• Utilizing a screening and referral process to ensure patients have the necessary resources
• Targeting both larger changes to the healthcare system and individualized patient needs 

[22:12] Addressing social determinants of health

• Addressing social determinants of health in a call to action

[23:30] Policy Changes to drive telehealth equity

• Emergency Broadband Benefit: subsidizes internet and device access for eligible populations 
• Lifeline Program: provides discounted phone and internet access
• National CLAS Guidelines: national standards to provide culturally appropriate care

[29:18] Individual changes to a practice to promote digital health equity

[31:48] Telehealth equity to reach Health Equity

• Dr. Rodriguez emphasizes that focusing on telehealth equity leads to the end goal of health equity

[32:27] Outro
Twitter and Instagram @TheDEIshift, email at thedeishift@gmail.com, and our website www.thedeishift.com
 
Additional Reading

• The Expanding Digital Divide: Digital Health Access Inequities during the COVID-19 Pandemic in New York City
• Evidence Of An Emerging Digital Divide Among Hospitals That Care For The Poor
• Telemedicine, COVID-19, and disparities: Policy implications
• Disparities In Telehealth Use Among California Patients With Limited English Proficiency 

Credits:
Guest: Dr. Jorge Rodriguez
Co-hosts/Producers: Dr. Tiffany Leung, Dr. Sarah Takimoto
Executive Producer: Dr. Tammy Lin 
Co-Executive Producers: Dr. Pooja Jaeel, Dr. Tiffany Leung
Senior Producers: Dr. Maggie Kozman, Dr. DJ Gaines
Editor/Assistant Producer: Joanna Jain
Production Assistants: Clara Baek, Nilgoun Farhadi
Website/Art Design: Ann Truong
Music: Chris Dingman
 
Disclaimer: The DEI Shift podcast and its guests provide general information and entertainment, but not medical advice. Before making any changes to your medical treatment or execution of your treatment plan, please consult with your doctor or personal medical team. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by The DEI Shift. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by The DEI Shift team are those of each individual, and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The DEI Shift team and its guests, employers, sponsors, or organizations we are affiliated with. 
 
Season 3 of The DEI Shift podcast is proudly sponsored by the American College of Physicians Southern California Region III Chapter.  
 
The DEI Shift theme music is by Chris Dingman. Learn more at www.chrisdingman.com. 
 
Contact us: thedeishift@gmail.com, @thedeishift, thedeishift.com 

Disclaimer

.The DEI Shift podcast and its guests provide general information and entertainment, but not medical advice. Before making any changes to your medical treatment or execution of your treatment plan, please consult with your doctor or personal medical team. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by The DEI Shift. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by The DEI Shift team are those of each individual, and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The DEI Shift team and its guests, employers, sponsors, or organizations we are affiliated with.