Healthcare providers' perceptions of barriers in implementing of home telecare in Taiwan: A qualitative study. Issue 4 (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chiang, Kuei-Feng; Wang, Hsiu-Hung; Chien, I.-Kuang; Liou, Jhao-Kun; Hung, Chung-Lieh; Huang, Chien-Min; Yang, Feng-Yueh
• Is Part Of: International journal of medical informatics. Volume 84:Issue 4(2015:Apr.)
• Page Start: 277
• Page End: 287
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: Home care service -- Healthcare providers -- Perceptions -- Barriers -- Policy -- Qualitative research; Medical informatics -- Periodicals; Information science -- Periodicals; Computers -- Periodicals; Medical technology -- Periodicals; Medical Informatics -- Periodicals; Technology, Medical -- Periodicals; Computers; Information science; Medical informatics; Medical technology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610.285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2015.01.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1386-5056

Abstract

Highlights: We examine barriers to develop telecare in five hospital setting. Obstacles in the policy and regulations are the most fundamental factors. Establish an appropriate cost-benefit mode to sustain telecare is necessary. The implementation strategies must meet real demands and values of the public. Abstract: Objectives: Telecare has not only brought down medical expenses, but has also become an important tool to address healthcare needs. In recent years, the Taiwanese government has been concerned about this healthcare issue. However, only a few hospitals provide telecare. This study aims at investigating the barriers that healthcare providers face while implementing home telecare in Taiwan. Methods: A qualitative research design was employed in this study, with semi-structured in-depth interviews. The sample was obtained from five hospitals, including three medical centers and two regional hospitals. A total of 31 healthcare providers were interviewed, including case managers ( n = 11), administrators ( n = 7), physicians ( n = 7), and nurses ( n = 6). Results: The results were summarized into five themes, including: (1) unsuitable laws and vague policies, (2) the policy implementation fails to meet public needs, (3) lack of organizational support, (4) lack of quality and convenience of the system, and (5) inadequate public perception and attitudes. Conclusions: Obstacles in policy and regulations are the most fundamental difficulties for telecare implementation, therefore the government should provide a clear direction by planning policies, legislate appropriate regulations, and incorporate telecare into the scope of medical insurance, in order to improve the environment and stimulate the telecare service market. In order to improve the success rate of telecare, administrators should be able to identify an appropriate cost-benefit model to build a humane system to satisfy public needs and to provide staff with resources and support.