Hospice staff attitudes towards telehospice.
Telemedicine, defined as the use of advanced telecommunication technologies to bridge geographic distance and improve delivery of care, is perceived by many as a way to eliminate barriers to quality care at the end of life. The use of telemedicine in hospice, known as telehospice, is a novel approach to such care, and few pilot studies have investigated its feasibility. The purpose of this study was to assess hospice providers 'perceptions of telehospice. A focus group session was conducted with 10 staff members from five hospice agencies in Missouri. Participants included administrators, nurses, and social workers. Overall, providers had a positive perception of telehospice and found that the use of videophone technology enhanced care by enabling providers, patients, and family members a means to communicate. However, they emphasized that it was an additional tool and not a substitute for actual visits. Issues of privacy and usability were also raised.
Demiris
George
G
Department of Health Management and Informatics, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA.
Oliver
Debra R Parker
DR
Fleming
David A
DA
Edison
Karen
K
D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D003219:Confidentiality; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D017144:Focus Groups; D006270:Health Facility Administrators / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008923:Missouri; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000523:psychology; D012947:Social Work; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000592:standards*