Prioritising enhancements across allied health telehealth services in a metropolitan hospital: Using a concept mapping approach. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Burns, Clare L; Cottrell, Michelle; Jones, Amber; Foley, Jasmine; Rahmann, Ann; Young, Adrienne; Cruickshank, Mark; Pateman, Kelsey
• Is Part Of: Journal of telemedicine and telecare. Volume 28:Number 10(2022)
• Page Start: 740
• Page End: 749
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Allied health -- telehealth -- concept mapping -- consumer engagement -- sustainability; Telecommunication in medicine -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1177/1357633X221122106
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1357-633X

Abstract

Introduction: A prior study examining perceptions of Allied Health Professions (AHP) telehealth services at a metropolitan hospital highlighted multiple issues impacting service uptake, operationalisation, and delivery. Concept mapping methodology was utilised to address these issues and prioritise actionable telehealth service improvements. Methods: Representatives ( n = 22) from seven AHP departments and consumers generated statements addressing the question: 'What do we need to do to enhance and sustain telehealth services?' Statements were synthesised and then clinicians and managers sorted them into similar groups and assigned each statement a ranking of perceived (a) importance and (b) changeability. Multivariate and multidimensional scaling was undertaken to develop a final prioritised set of goals for change. Results: Ninety-six unique statements were generated as actionable goals for change. Statements were grouped into 13 clusters relating to improvements in staff support, infrastructure, consumer support and organisational processes. All clusters were rated >50% for importance (range 3.3–2.4 out of 4) and changeability (range 2.6–2.1 out of 4). Twenty-six statements were ranked highest for importance and changeability. Key prioritised areas were staff training, consumer advocacy and engagement, telehealth operations and workflow. Conclusion: Concept mapping was an effective process for generating a prioritised list of actions to enhance AHP telehealth services.