You considered the expected impact of a proposed expansion of telemedicine services in a local healthcare facility. In this assignment, you will build on this scenario by writing a memorandum to the healthcare facility CIO that outlines the information you want to assemble so that leadership in the facility can evaluate costs, quality, and access to telemedicine services.
To complete this assignment, address the following:
Identify at least one scholarly reference each for assessing the following:
a. healthcare costs
b. quality
c. access to telemedicine services
2 • Use the identified references to create a list of the information necessary to perform the assessment.
- • Write a memorandum to the CIO, describing the information needs you identified. Include your expectation of which healthcare information system is most likely to contain this information.
Full Answer Section
Scholarly References for Assessment:
a. Healthcare Costs:
- Title: The Cost-Effectiveness of Digital Health Interventions: A Systematic Review of the Literature
- Authors: Patel, R., Grant, R. O., & Shah, N. H. (2021).
- Journal: National Center for Biotechnology Information (PMC)
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the cost-effectiveness of various digital health interventions, including telemedicine. It offers valuable insights into potential cost savings through reduced travel expenses, improved efficiency, and decreased hospitalization rates.
b. Quality:
- Title: Quality in Telemedicine: A Framework for Measurement and Improvement
- Authors: Oh, E., Kwag, Y., & Park, Y. S. (2016).
- Journal: International Journal of Medical Informatics
This framework outlines key dimensions of quality in telemedicine, including clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, technical performance, and accessibility. This reference provides a structured approach to evaluating the quality of existing telemedicine services and ensuring their continued improvement.
c. Access to Telemedicine Services:
- Title: Digital Divide in Telemedicine Use: A Call for Policy and Research Solutions
- Authors: Keshner, J., & Adler, L. (2020).
- Journal: Health Affairs
This article sheds light on the potential disparities in access to telemedicine based on socioeconomic factors, geographical location, and technological literacy. It emphasizes the need to consider equity and inclusivity when planning telemedicine expansion to ensure accessibility for all patients.
Information Needs for Assessment:
Based on the identified scholarly references, the following information is necessary to assess the potential impact of telemedicine expansion:
Cost:
- Current spending on traditional in-person consultations.
- Estimated costs associated with telemedicine infrastructure, equipment, and software.
- Potential cost savings from reduced travel, clinic visits, and hospitalizations.
- Projected impact on staff workload and resource allocation.
- Financial sustainability of the proposed expansion in the long term.
Quality:
- Existing data on clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction for current telemedicine services.
- Planned quality assessment measures for the expanded services, aligned with the Oh et al. framework.
- Strategies for mitigating potential challenges like technology glitches and disparities in communication quality.
- Processes for ongoing monitoring and improvement of telemedicine quality standards.
Access:
- Demographics of the patient population, including geographic location, socioeconomic status, and technology access.
- Potential barriers to telemedicine use for identified underserved groups.
- Planned outreach and education initiatives to promote awareness and adoption of telemedicine services.
- Strategies for bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access for all patients.
Expected Information System:
The existing Healthcare Information System (HIS) is likely to contain a significant portion of the necessary information for cost assessment. Data on current consultation costs, staff workload, and resource allocation can be extracted from billing records and scheduling systems. The HIS may also offer insights into patient demographics and utilization patterns, aiding in the evaluation of access factors.
However, additional data sources may be required to comprehensively assess quality and access. Patient satisfaction surveys, clinical outcome data, and external databases on health disparities can provide a more complete picture. It is crucial to understand the capabilities and limitations of the existing HIS and determine the need for integrating additional systems or collecting supplemental data through other means.
Conclusion:
The information needs outlined in this memorandum are essential for a thorough and well-informed evaluation of the proposed telemedicine expansion. By analyzing this data carefully, facility leadership can make sound decisions regarding the feasibility, sustainability, and potential impact of expanding telemedicine services to serve the needs of the community effectively. I propose a collaborative effort with your office to identify the data sources, design an appropriate data collection approach, and facilitate efficient access to the necessary information.
Sample Answer
Information Needs Memorandum: Assessing Telemedicine Expansion
To: Chief Information Officer (CIO)
From: [Your Name]
Date: [Date]
Subject: Information Needs for Evaluating Telemedicine Expansion
Introduction:
This memorandum outlines the information needs to effectively assess the potential costs, quality, and access implications of expanding telemedicine services at [Healthcare Facility Name]. Understanding these factors is crucial for informed decision-making and successful implementation of any expansion plans.