Fifteen-year Experience with Telemedicine Services in Gangwon Province in Korea

Abstract

Objectives This study attempted to identify the factors that contribute to successful telemedicine service. This was done by analyzing the operational state of successful telemedicine services offered in Gangwon Province of Korea and their outcome for the last fifteen years. Methods A comparative analysis was made based on reports and a thesis on the satisfaction rate of patients and providers, patient compliance to treatment, and economic assessment of Gangwon telemedicine service, which were carried out in three periods: the years 2006, 2010, and 2012. Results The satisfaction surveys in all three periods showed similar results for patients (4.46±0.70 point) and healthcare practitioners, including nurses (3.82±0.62 point) and physicians (3.60±0.56 point), in decreasing order from the year 2012. Through the survey of patients' compliance with treatment, it was confirmed that telemedicine services increased patients' compliance with drug administration, facilitated improvement of lifestyle habits, improved glycated hemoglobin for patients with diabetes mellitus, and enhanced the rate of blood pressure control. In the survey conducted on patients' willingness to pay for telemedicine services in 2007, it was found that those patients were willing to pay about $3.5 for services. Conclusions The telemedicine services of Gangwon Province increased patients' compliance with drug administration, improved blood glucose control, enhanced blood pressure control for patients with hypertension, and provided economic advantage.

Provider- and Patient-Related Barriers to and Facilitators of Digital Health Technology Adoption for Hypertension Management: Scoping Review

“…Another barrier frequently highlighted in the literature was the complexity of technologies (n=5) [30,39,40,43,46]. Frequent technical issues coupled with inadequate onsite support to resolve them were cited as reasons for discontinuing engagement with DHTs (n=2) [34,39].…”

“…In some studies, patients questioned the accuracy of the measurements and data recorded (BP readings) by DHTs [19,43,47].…”

Mobile Apps in Oncology: A Survey on Health Care Professionals’ Attitude Toward Telemedicine, mHealth, and Oncological Apps

“…Wang et al [21] designed a randomized controlled trial and showed a higher compliance for patients with esophageal cancer using Internet follow-up after radiotherapy compared to a control group. A 15-year experience with telemedicine in Korea published by Kim et al [22] compared telemedical services for patients versus face-to-face medical service and showed a significant improvement of compliance in drug administration and lifestyle changes. However, HCPs also named certain disadvantages regarding telemedicine.…”

Using an Internet-Based Hospital to Address Maldistribution of Health Care Resources in Rural Areas of Guangdong Province, China: Retrospective and Descriptive Study

“…The World Health Organization definition of telemedicine is the delivery of health care services, wherein distance is a critical factor, by all health care professionals using information and communication technologies for the exchange of valid information for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and injuries, research and evaluation, and for the continuing education of health care providers, all in the interest of advancing the health of individuals and their communities [7]. Previous research has confirmed the advantages of telemedicine, such as saving traveling time and reducing medical expenses [8,9], increasing patient satisfaction [9,10], effectiveness comparable to hospital face-to-face consultation [11], and improved management of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension [8,12]. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine for the distribution of medical resources in rural China remains unclear.…”