Kaiser Permanente Tele-Home Health Research Project.
In summary, the quality of care and satisfaction measures of the two systems are remarkable for what they are not--that is, not different. They suggest no difference between a culturally accepted model of care, with roots extending deep into human experience, both personal and traditional, and one based on a radical departure therefrom--care in the physical absence of a carer. They suggest, they do not indicate, because the study was not designed as a direct comparison. Numbers were small. Other flaws are evident. But Barb Johnston and her colleagues have opened the door for larger groups with deeper pockets to prove to conclusion what they have suggested--that telecare works. They have succeeded in providing telecare with what it has hitherto lacked: a solid suggestion of equivalence with the established system, and perhaps for markedly less cost. And they have done so in the face of difficulties and barriers which may have prevented them from achieving even better results. The study is a notable achievement, and its authors and Kaiser Permanente deserve the gratitude of the entire telemedicine community.
Harris
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D002140:California; D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012106:Research; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods*; D017749:Total Quality Management