Is Telemedicine Worth the Investment - 4 Key Factors
Telemedicine is here to stay, knowing the key factors for success, combined with the right amount of resources are critical success factors.
Summary
Telemedicine combines technology with science and government regulations.
Healthcare technology solutions have a unique set of challenges which differ from a typical developing technology solution.
The last year and a half has catapulted telemedicine usage along with some missteps.
Knowing the key factors for success and placing the right amount of resources into the right areas are key for success.
Review
The rapid uptake and acceptance of telemedicine over the last 1.5 years indicates it is here to stay. The question is no longer should an investment in telemedicine occur, but rather HOW to make the investment in telemedicine work as best as possible.
The value and impact of telemedicine on providers, health systems and patients can be optimized by addressing 4 major critical success factors.
KEY FACTOR 1: Clinical Validation
Telemedicine solutions need to be clinically validated so clinicians are assured the technology delivers the outcomes promised.
The gold standard randomized controlled trial is not appropriate for remote care (either self-monitoring or otherwise). The reasons for this are multifactorial and include:
Technology is not designed to replace medical care, but rather part of a comprehensive care plan.
Small healthcare innovator companies usually have limited resources.
Timely identification and recruitment of patients for telemedicine becomes difficult, especially in the outpatient environment.
Data may need to be derived from end users as opposed to clinicians.
KEY FACTOR 2: Pilot Purgatory
It is common to underestimate the necessary effort to achieve a successful pilot.
Sufficient evidence should be generated for all stakeholders without going overboard.
There is a fine balance between properly articulating your value proposition versus staying stealth too long.
KEY FACTOR 3: New Care Model
Telemedicine delivers the majority of its benefits by enabling new models of care…simply flipping the switch will not improve outcomes.
This new model of care needs to develop and implement a new care pathway of workflows with telemedicine.
The 2 major risks for telemedicine failure are:
Not fitting into existing bedside workflows.
Disruptions to workflow causing routine interruptions to bedside clinicians.
Telemedicine needs to fit as seamlessly as possible to existing workflows without delays or interruptions.
KEY FACTOR 4: Organizational Factors:
For telemedicine services to function well, internal and external organizational factors must be addressed.
Internal Organizational Factors
Healthcare organizations must prepare for telemedicine in advance
Provider readiness to change their practice
Plans with timelines to integrate telemedicine into practice & the health system
External Organizational Factors
Continuous access to the telemedicine clinical care team
Enable early identification of problems with timely interventions
Conclusions
Telemedicine is worth the investment, although the return on investment varies with the ability to implement effectively and the care pathways developed and used.
Success is dependent more on context, clear leadership, clinical and patient acceptance than technology.
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