Prof. Raj Sharman on Why Telehealth Fell Short in Some Communities
New research led by Raj Sharman, a professor in Management Science and Systems School of Management at the University at Buffalo, finds why telehealth did not deliver equally strong results everywhere during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prof. Raj Sharman, professor of management science and systems in the School of Management at the University at Buffalo, was quoted in a UBNow article examining why telehealth did not deliver equally strong results everywhere during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharman explains that while telehealth use surged nationwide, many counties—especially in rural areas—struggled due to workforce shortages, limited broadband access and gaps in health care infrastructure.
The research also found that language barriers were one of the strongest factors limiting effective telehealth use, along with income and education levels. Sharman emphasizes that simply expanding telehealth access is not enough, and that reducing health care inequalities requires targeted investments in workforce capacity, patient education, language accessibility and planning that reflects local community needs.
