Measuring the ‘success’ of telehealth interventions

Abstract

Despite substantial investment over recent years in telehealth there appears to be little consensus regarding what a successful implementation should achieve. However, defining success is often controversial and complex due to differing views from the large number of stakeholders involved, the local environment where telehealth is deployed and the scope, or size, of any planned initiative. Nevertheless, a number of generic measures are proposed in this paper which then provides a framework for the measurement of success. The local context can then be applied to determine the exact emphasis on specific measures, but it is proposed that all of the measures should be included in the holistic measurement of success. Having considered what constitutes success attention is then given to how success should be quantified. Robust evaluation is fundamental and there is much debate as to whether the ‗gold standard' Randomised Control Trial (RCT) is the most appropriate methodology for telehealth. If the intervention, technology and system, can be maintained in a stable state then the RCT may well provide the most authoritative evidence for decision makers. However, ensuring such stability, in what is still a novel combination of technology and service, is difficult and consequently other approaches may be more appropriate when stability is unlikely to be maintained.

Using Partial Least Squares (PLS) in Predicting Behavioral Intention for Telehealth Use among Filipino Elderly

“…Moreover, the increasing healthcare cost associated with aging creates diverse market opportunities for Telehealth (DelliFraine, & Dansky, 2008). While Telehealth has attracted considerable attention from healthcare providers in developed counties (Milligan et al, 2011;Brownsell, 2009), the ''least developed countries'' could perhaps benefit most from such technologies (Chanda & Shaw, 2010). Much of the world's elderly population (70%) resides in developing countries, and continues to rise at a rapid pace (WHO, 2002).…”

Factors affecting success of an integrated community-based telehealth system

“…including the punctual, professional, and personalized service provided by the service provider [18]. Brownsell [19] argued that care providers' engagement is one of prerequisites for telehealth success. Thus, care providers' support was also integrated into service quality measurement in this study, including professional and empathic attitude toward residents.…”

Does telecare prolong community living in dementia? A study protocol for a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial

“…This, together with the relative dearth of dementia-specific studies in ATT, means that a significant gap remains in our evidence. Although there are relatively large numbers of qualitative studies, audits and service evaluations, there are few studies with sufficient rigour and appropriate design to offer any degree of generalisability [ 15 ] or agreement about how ‘success’ can be measured [ 28 ]. One study has suggested that, when used appropriately, ATT is highly cost-effective.…”