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ELEMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT OF TELEMEDICINE APPLICATIONS

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 June 2001

Arto Ohinmaa ,
David Hailey  and
Risto Roine
Arto Ohinmaa
Affiliation:
University of Oulu
David Hailey
Affiliation:
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research
Risto Roine
Affiliation:
Finnish Office for Health Care Technology Assessment
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Abstract

Objectives: As an initiative of the International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment, an approach to assessment of telemedicine applications was prepared to assist decision makers who are considering introduction and use of this technology.

Methods: Review and commentary drawing on published assessment frameworks and reports of primary evaluations of telemedicine, with particular reference to experience in Finland and Canada.

Results: Elements of the approach included development of a business case (considering population and services, personnel and consumers, delivery arrangements, specifications and costs); subsequent evaluation of the telemedicine application; and follow-up (covering the domains of technical assessment, effectiveness, user assessment of the technology, costs of telemedicine, trials, economic evaluation methods, and sensitivity analysis).

Conclusions: Decision makers should link introduction of new and often costly technology to appraisal of its feasibility, followed by evaluation of the application, including longer term consideration of its sustainability and impact on the healthcare system. As the effectiveness and efficiency of telemedicine applications will often be strongly influenced by local issues, results of assessments may not be generalizable.

Keywords

TelemedicineAssessmentHealth policy
Type
Research Article
Information
International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care , Volume 17 , Issue 2 , April 2001 , pp. 190 - 202
Copyright
© 2001 Cambridge University Press

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