Technology and equipment
Why is this important?
“It’s really about offering the right technology to wrap around the patients’ needs rather than the opposite... well a menu of different services.”
“We’re interested in looking at a step-up step-down model... having sort of a menu of choices if you like, a picking list which would meet the different needs of patients.”
Key steps
Use the service design to identify what technology and equipment you may need
Scope out the telehealth technologies that are available and how well they meet your needs
Identify how your own IT systems may need to change so that telehealth can work effectively
Key features that help to improve adoption of telehealth
Ease of use
Ease of use increases acceptability among users and frontline staff
Some older users may have dexterity problems or other impairments to account for
Flexibility
Clinicians want to tailor monitoring to patients, and collect only what is needed
Users also want to tailor monitoring so that it can fit around their daily lives
Portability
Users want to choose where to keep the device and where to do their readings
Some people want to use telehealth outside the home, eg on holiday or at work
Good connectivity
Mobile broadband offers portability and does not rely on users having WiFi
Some local areas have poor connectivity making it difficult to access telehealth
Access and control
Users and clinicians want to track symptoms over time and check historical readings
Users and clinicians want to share this information with other clinical providers
Maintenance
Good technical support increases user acceptance
There can be benefits to leasing equipment, including maintenance and equipment upgrade