Using Telemedicine in Practice: Implications for Workforce Development

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18552/ijpblhsc.v6i2.433

Keywords:

digital health, skills, telemedicine, workforce

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present a discussion of the impact of telemedicine on professional practice, and the implications for the workforce. Telemedicine, or the use of video-conferencing for remote consultations between clinician(s) and patients, is now a mature technology. Many pilot studies have taken place, generally showing positive benefits to patients. There is emerging evidence that the impact on staff is more mixed; with concerns about changes to job role, skills development, and poor understanding of the organisational benefits. Evidence also highlights enablers of successful telemedicine implementation, including senior leadership, peer motivation, understanding of patient benefits, and time for safe experimentation. Following a review of qualitative data from four case study telemedicine projects undertaken within the authors’ research group, evidence from published literature is discussed. The four projects explore telemedicine services provided between an acute hospital service and nursing homes (remote assessment of swallowing difficulties), an acute hospital service and home (video-link to renal patients undergoing home dialysis), between a specialist teaching hospital service and a district general hospital (fetal abnormalities ultrasound telemedicine clinic), and a survey of mental health professionals across acute and community services within a locality. The introduction of telemedicine at scale requires an organisational and system-level approach that recognises the specific challenges and issues for the workforce. Education and training need to be provided at all levels. In conclusion: there are significant opportunities to realise the benefits of remote consultations, to improve the patient experience and staff productivity, if workforce issues are addressed.

Author Biography

Alison Marshall, University of Cumbria

I am Professor of Health Technology and Innovation at the University of Cumbria. I have a background in technology and product development, having worked within and with academia in getting research 'from bench to boardroom' for around twenty years. I was a director of a medical electronics start-up company and before coming to the University of Cumbria developed and led industrial partnerships for research and knowledge transfer at the University of Leeds. My research interests are in technology adoption and involving users in technology development in healthcare. I am currently undertaking research into the barriers and issues in adoption of telehealth, consultancy work for a number of NHS and private sector organisations, teaching on the Digital Health and Social Care course and working with app developers and other technology companies to support them in demonstrating evidence and benefits to health customers.

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Published

2018-11-28

How to Cite

Marshall, A., & Bidmead, E. (2018). Using Telemedicine in Practice: Implications for Workforce Development. International Journal of Practice-Based Learning in Health and Social Care, 6(2), 111–124. https://doi.org/10.18552/ijpblhsc.v6i2.433

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2018): International Journal of Practice-based Learning in Health and Social Care

Section

Research Articles

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