mardi 3 mai 2016

Important Ideas On Telemedicine Implementation

By Betty Smith


Most hospitals and healthcare systems are recognizing the importance of implementing a telemedicine program. Many physicians are supporting the project because of advantages that are associated with its implementation. Through the program, large number of patients will receive high quality care services irrespective of their geographical location. The flexibility of physicians will be boosted to a top-notch level. Telemedicine implementation can be carried out effectively when preparations are made earlier, right technology employed, workflow analyzed properly, and right people involved. The project involves web consultants, telemedicine rooms and hospitals, cloud-based physicians, as well as virtual health coaches.

With proper execution, hospitals are likely to reduce expenditures and improve their operation. Engaging the administrative or executive team can prove to be a difficult task during the implementation of telehealth project. Naturally, some members of executive team may fail to support the project and term it as expensive and invaluable. It is your duty to convince them that the project will be valuable to the hospital. Currently, the physicians are using technology tools to offer care service even though it is not in an official manner. The same case applies to patients, most consults the physicians through phone or video calls.

The telemedicine program will receive positive response and will be embrace by patients since most of them are communicating in a cloud-based style. You must carry out a rigorous market research and identify the potential the market has to offer. Once you have identified the community needs, you should evaluate the healthcare facility and find out if it has the right resource to offer the service that is on demand. Encourage the executive team to participate in matters that affect the community.

Once you have identified the potential of the market, you must focus on assessing the capabilities of healthcare facilities. In case the service that is demanded by the community surpasses the abilities of hospital, you should find an alternative need to address. In case you intend to do pediatric neurology, you must ensure you have the right equipment, infrastructure, and highly trained pediatric neurologist. Additionally, they must show interest of providing telemedicine services. Since identification of starting point may appear to be a hard nut to crack, organize a committee of stakeholders to oversee the assessment and identification of starting points.

The goals of your telemedicine project must align with the mission of your healthcare facility. That way, hospital leaders will come up with a project that is valuable to the hospital. Working with goals and defined purpose propels the organization to a top-notch level.

To avoid spending much time and accomplishing a little, every stage of implementation must be assigned enough time. You should be strict with time and be prepared to deal with challenges that may hinder implementation. Project goals and hospital size affects the procedure of implementation.

Strive to seek administrative support and make sure you are getting the necessary resources for implementing the program. Advice both the physician as well as patients to use the tools availed by modern technology. Massive administrative support will enable you to deal with strict timeline.

Telemedicine creates an amazing flexibility since the physicians are able to see the patients. The can give more attention to patients who have major issues, but still address the needs of those with minor ones. Effective implementation is guaranteed when the service provider receive perfect training.




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