30 April, 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.

One of the challenges that health facility will have to deal with during the implementation process is administrative engagement. Typically, not all members of executive team will see the value of the expensive process of implementation. As a project manager, you should strive to enlighten the members on the importance of digitizing care services. You must make them to understand that the physicians are armed with technological tools to aid them in delivery of services. Both patients and physicians understand how to use video conferencing tools, text messages, and phones. Most people are keeping in touch through a cloud-based model.

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.

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.

Come up with goals that are clear, precise, and achievable. Involve everyone in the goal making process and ensure the goals of project align with those of hospital. Mobilize the hospital leaders to support implementation of telemedicine program. However, they must see how the program will benefit the hospital.

It is important to work with a timeline for implementing the project. Every stage must be assigned a specific timeline by which it must be completed. However, the timeline tends to be affected by hospital size and program goals. Therefore, ample time should be allocated for each stage.

When you have the right support from the administrative team, the implantation process becomes easy. You will have access to enough resource and receive support for dealing with complex project. Encourage the patients to use technological tools and seek healthcare services from cloud-based physicians.

Addressing the needs of patients via telemedicine enables physicians to delegate their duties effectively. They are able to manage patients who have minor issues and deal with those who require serious care. The providers of care services must be trained effectively to guarantee effective implementation of the program.




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