Telemedicine services in higher education: a review of college and university websites

Abstract

Objectives

To identify rates of telemedicine provision during the COVID-19 pandemic and predictive institutional factors among 4-year and graduate colleges and universities.

Participants

The study (n = 364) included the websites (.edu) of accredited public nonprofit, private nonprofit, and private for-profit institutions of higher education in the United States that award bachelors, masters, or doctoral degrees.

Methods

Using digital content analysis, human coders analyzed institution websites for informational text indicating student telemedicine services.

Results

Findings indicate that a minority of 4-year and above institutions offer telemedicine access. Institution type, institution size, and the presence of campus student health services were predictive. Endowment size and Minority Serving Institution status were not predictive.

Conclusion

This study illustrates the ongoing need for increased access to remote health services across higher education, especially among smaller private and public nonprofit colleges and universities and all private for-profit institutions.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• student health
• telemedicine

Acknowledgments

Special thanks are due to the 2020–2021 Bass Connections team from Duke University, including Emily Chen, Lauren Holt, Becca Lane, Emily Sen, Sydney Morrow, Rachel Proudman, and Lucy Zheng.

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States of America and the IRB of Duke University.

Additional information

Funding

Jonas Swartz is a Women’s Reproductive Health Research Scholar (K12HD10383-01).