Research Brief Series: Translating Research Into Practice

BH WELL’s Research Brief series showcases our teams’ most up-to-date research and evidence-based practice in a concise, digestible format. Each research summary serves to bridge the gap between clinical research and public knowledge by enhancing communication, supporting advocacy efforts, and facilitating translation amongst all mental healthcare workers. Providing key insights from evidence-based research will help inform public understanding of health issues, empower individuals to make informed decisions, and to promote overall healthier behaviors/outcomes.

Current Issue

Changes in telehealth usage among Medicaid beneficiaries with mental illnesses in a rural state: An analysis of Kentucky Medicaid dataset over 5 years (2018-2022)

Volume 3, Issue 2

April 2026

Closing the Gap: This study identifies telehealth usage disparities by geography, demographics, and insurance structure to pinpoint areas of growth for telehealth accessibility.

Promoting Positive Patient Outcomes: This study indirectly supports patients by identifying barriers to accessing care. If available, use of telehealth increases access to mental healthcare services, continuity of care, and convenience (decreased time and transportation barriers). Over time, better access leads to consistent treatment and improved mental health outcomes. This study identified that patients with more severe mental illness are more likely to use telehealth; suggesting telehealth supports those with greater care needs.

Optimizing Resources: This study identifies both where telehealth is underused and where it is most effective. This improves efficiency by identifying populations to direct resources.