Dissertations and Theses
Date of Degree
6-5-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Department
Community Health and Social Sciences
Advisor(s)
Christian Grov
Committee Members
Christian Grov
Karmen Williams
Lisa Altshuler
Subject Categories
Health Information Technology | Health Services Research | Medical Education | Quality Improvement | Telemedicine
Keywords
telehealth, health services research, patient experience, community health, improvement
Abstract
It is now well-documented that sexual and gender minoritized individuals (SGMs) face consistent stigmatization from not just the health care system, but also from overarching community, federal, and societal entities. Subsections of the SGM community, like gay men for example, face higher rates of eating disorders, certain cancers, alcoholism, mental illness and even obesity, when compared to heterosexual counterparts. Many of these challenges could be exacerbated by current political administration efforts to silence the community. Ensuring access to clinical care is one way of preserving the health and livelihood of the community. Telehealth, or synchronous, remote based clinical care, can serve as an entry way to the health system, during challenging times (e.g. COVID-pandemic era) or when people struggle to access in person services for any reason (e.g. fear of stigmatization, time constraints, etc.). Given that SGMs may face increased risk of certain diseases (and health outcomes, ultimately), safeguarding their ability to access telehealth-related services is of great importance. Similarly, broad investment into infrastructure to support comprehensive remote based clinical care is necessary not just for SGMs, but for all of society. Though research efforts are needed, it is possible that the COVID-era-induced expansion of telehealth-based services filled the clinical care needs for both SGM individuals and their non-SGM counterparts alike. Through a series of research questions, this dissertation sought to unpack the importance and relevance of telehealth to the SGM community by exploring their uses, experiences, satisfaction, and perceptions of opportunities for improvement.
Recommended Citation
Wilhite, Jeffrey A., "Development of recommendations for the future of telehealth use among sexual and gender minorities (SGM)" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/sph_etds/113
Included in
Health Services Research Commons, Medical Education Commons, Quality Improvement Commons, Telemedicine Commons
