Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Key Steps Of 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.

Conducting a market research and establishing the potential it possesses is imperative. You must assess your capabilities and see if the quality of care services you offer addresses the unique needs of communities. Mobilize your executive team and encourage them to engage with the community at diverse levels and find out healthcare services that are needed by the community. Analysis of patient outcome data can help you to know the type of services required by a particular community.

When you have understood the potential possessed by the market, the next step is assessing whether your hospital has the right equipment, facilities, and personnel to offers service that the community requires. Make sure the physicians are supporting execution of telemedicine program. For example, if your intention is to provide pediatric neurology service, you should ensure you have the right number of pediatric neurologist. They must be interested in provision of telemedicine service. Organize a committee to conduct readiness assessment and identify the perfect starting point.

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.

Allocate enough time for each stage and adhere to the timeline effectively. You should have a clear plan for dealing with emergencies and challenges. Factors that affect proper implementation include the size of healthcare and program goals.

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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