The use of advanced computer technology to enhance access to health care and to respond to community needs: the results of the evaluation of a technology-based clinical consultation service.
This paper describes a long distance, high tech, two-way interactive video pilot system that supports teleconsultations between primary health care givers at a rural site and specialists and subspecialists at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary. Evaluation results from the 12-month trial are presented. The underlying philosophy behind the telemedicine outreach pilot program was to provide equal access to health services for those currently in under-served areas. The advanced technology system offered multiple clinical services in emergency, urgent, and elective situations. The impact of the telemedicine consultative service on health care delivery, patients, providers, and costs were evaluated. Findings from the 12-month trial demonstrate that quality care and access to care can be offered in spite of the disparate location of patients and health care providers. Some limitations and constraints to the implementation of the technology are noted and reviewed.
Jennett
P A
PA
Watanabe
M
M
Hall
W G
WG
D000416:Alberta; D003363:Cost Control; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008511:Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010865:Pilot Projects; D019114:Remote Consultation / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019035:Rural Health Services; D013038:Specialization; D018511:Systems Integration