Clinical-pull approach to telemedicine implementation policies using health informatics in the developing world
Date
2012-04
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IGI Global
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Telemedicine could effectively aid hospital referral systems in bringing specialized care to rural communities. South Africa has identified telemedicine as part of its primary health care strategic plan, but similar to many other developing countries, the successful implementation of telemedicine programs is a daunting challenge. One of the contributing factors is the insufficient evidence that telemedicine is a cost-effective alternative. Furthermore, many telemedicine services are implemented without a thorough needs assessment. Throughout this chapter, the authors investigate the use of medical informatics in quantitative telemedicine needs assessments. A framework is introduced to direct implementation policies towards a proven clinical need rather than pushing technology into practise. This clinical-pull strategy aims to reduce the amount of failed projects, by providing decision support to implement appropriate technologies that have the potential to contribute towards better quality healthcare.
Description
The original artical is available at http://www.igi-global.com OR www.igi-global.com/chapter/clinical-pull-approach-telemedicineimplementation/
64997.
The item includes only the abstract and part of the introduction.
The item includes only the abstract and part of the introduction.
Keywords
Telemedicine -- South Africa, Evidence-based management, Decision support, Clinical-pull
Citation
Treurnicht, M. J., & Van Dyk, L. 2012. Clinical-pull approach to telemedicine implementation policies using health informatics in the developing world. Telemedicine and e-health services, policies, and applications: advancements and developments, Rodrigues, J, De la Torre Díez, I. & Sainz de Abajo, B. (eds.). Hershey: IGI Global, 424-450, doi:10.4018/978-1-4666-0888-7.ch016