Key components and critical factors for developing a telehealth business framework: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background Telehealth technology and related products can help to solve the problems associated with providing health care services and equal distribution of resources. However, in order to run a telehealth business successfully, key components and critical factors need to be taken into account. A telehealth business framework can provide a rich understanding of these components and factors. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the key components and critical factors for developing a telehealth business framework from the experts’ perspectives. Methods The present qualitative study was conducted in 2020. The participants were 22 experts in the fields of medical informatics, health information management, telemedicine, telehealth, health entrepreneurship, health insurance, and digital health start-ups. In depth semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data, and the data were analyzed using framework analysis. Results Four main themes derived from data analysis. The themes included key components for developing a telehealth business framework, success factors, challenges, and barriers of a telehealth business. Overall, the results indicated that the key components in a telehealth business framework included created value, key resources, key activities, key partners, licenses and permissions, product pricing, revenue, marketing, supporting services, and getting feedback from customers. Although receiving support from different individuals and organizations as well as economic benefits of telehealth services may consider as success factors, there are a number of challenges and barriers which should be taken into account. Otherwise, these factors may hinder the success of a telehealth business. Conclusions The development of a telehealth business framework might be an important step towards developing a more complete business plan, facilitating the commercialization of telehealth products, and providing a solution for product sustainability in a competitive market. In the current study, the key components and critical factors for developing a telehealth business framework were identified; however, further research is needed to explore how these components and factors can be helpful in developing business plans and running a successful telehealth business.

Telehealth Business Models and Their Components: Systematic Review

“…The key aspects of the long-term sustainability of telehealth business include developing a skilled workforce, empowering consumers, reforming funding, improving digital ecosystems, and integrating telehealth into routine care. These requirements should be considered in implementation planning to ensure that effective integration of telehealth within complex health systems is in place and staff are willing to use telehealth technologies [ 50 , 51 ]. In another study, Cui et al highlighted that the sustainability of telemedicine must be improved by appropriate legislation, uniform standards, and powerful management [ 52 ].…”

The 4P telehealth business framework for Iran

“…In the present study, the aim was to develop a telehealth business framework for Iran. The proposed framework, which was initially derived from conducting a systematic review [ 24 ] and a qualitative study [ 27 ], was reviewed by an expert panel who believed that components, such as process reengineering and selling licenses should be removed. According to the experts, the first one was beyond the business activities, and the second one needed legal support.…”

“…Initially, a systematic review was conducted, and the telehealth business models and frameworks were reviewed [ 24 ]. Then, a qualitative study were conducted, and people who were experts in medical informatics, health information management, health entrepreneurship, and telehealth business were interviewed to identify the main components of a telehealth business framework [ 27 ]. The findings derived from the first and second phases of the research were presented as a proposed telehealth business framework to an expert panel.…”

“…Therefore, developing new models and frameworks with diverse components is suggested to cover different aspects of telehealth technology [ 24 – 26 ]. Some of these components are created value, key activities, key resources, key partners, licenses and permissions, product pricing, product revenue, product marketing, support services, and obtaining feedback [ 27 ].…”

When a Straight Line Is Not the Most Direct Method: an Evaluation of Straight Line Versus True Distance Metrics for Patients in Rural Settings

“…12 These decisions can create availability or limit telehealth services for millions of Americans living in rural areas, especially for organizations considering the economic benefits of technologies at reducing patient-related costs in decisions to start, continue, or decide to end the provision of telehealth service. 13 Ultimately, additional distance-related variables are present for rural populations that may continue to make them ideal telehealth candidates, even if they may appear "close enough" on a map. Although discussed within the literature, limited research is available that quantitatively evaluated this phenomenon.…”