A Telemedicine Opportunity or a Distraction - Case Study Example

? A Telemedicine opportunity or a distraction: case study Diana Yuan Zhang of Houston-Victoria MGMT 6352 November Table of contents Table of contents 2 Executive Summary 3 Case Synopsis 4 Strategy Analysis 5 Problems Analysis 6 Model Application 6 Implementation Opportunity Analysis 7 Problem Identification Table 8 Implementation Effectiveness 10 I.S Implementation at the Case Company 10 Tangible and Intangible Cost Estimation 11 Tangible and Intangible Benefit Estimation 11 Conclusions 11 Recommendation 12 References 13 Executive Summary This case study analyzes telemedicine implementation to assess whether it is an opportunity or a distraction. Telemedicine is a health care delivery technique that applies high-speed telecommunications structures, computer technology and dedicated medical cameras to survey, diagnose, treat and instruct patients at a distance. This paper, therefore, will analyze Telemedicine a model company and in the process highlights its goals and strategies of implementing telemedicine in its processes. Additionally, the problems encountered in its processes and operation will be highlighted using porters value chain mode. The study paper concludes by revealing that a telemedicine is an opportunity not a distraction (Gogan & Garfield, 2012). Case Synopsis Telemedicine is the application of medical information communicated from one location to another through electronic communications to enhance a patient’s medical health condition. Telemedicine comprises a growing diversity of services and applications using smart phones, two-way video, wireless tools, email and other kinds of telecommunications techniques. After definition, the case paper seeks to assess whether this application is an opportunity or a distraction. The empirical case study (Falmouth Hospital) enjoys honors for their exemplary TeleStroke services thus confirming benefits of the telemedicine (Gogan & Garfield, 2012). Assessing the suitability for telemedicine services for a patient is a specialized role and the duty of the primary care general practitioner, mid-level and above. Telemedicine should be carefully handled, and practitioners and participants must be fully aware of the consequences, challenges and risks involved in such a process. Porter’s firm-based value chain model is crucial in the assessing the case paper objective. Assessment involves of identifying a clinically identifiable issues or symptom that can be tested or possibly treated using telemedicine technology. Clinical conditions responsive to telemedicine consist of ailments where data about them, relevant images and a Live Video telemedicine meeting with a doctor provides a feasible and applicable solution that includes an appropriate treatment plan or alternatively meets the medical requirement for on-going management of a non-acute illness (Bulik, 2008). The practice has its challenges thus the questioning whether it is a distraction or an opportunity. It is necessary to assess this during the case study to acknowledge the case objective. Strategy Analysis Telemedicine is not an isolated medical specialty. Services and products associated with telemedicine are frequently part of a larger venture by health care organizations in either the delivery of clinical care or information technology. As such, document telemedicine meetings in the same manner as a patient office visit – through medical records (Gogan & Garfield, 2012). The medical record standard in most clinics is the traditional paper record. Many clinics do not have an electronic medical record system. Introduction or usage of telemedicine is an opportunity for healthcare institutions to enhance their electronic system to enjoy the benefits associated with telemedicine. As evident in Shawn Farrell case, telemedicine is essential in dealing with critical cases that need minimal or no time wastage (Gogan & Garfield, 2012). It is upon clinics not currently using an electronic record need to reflect how they to monitor and maintain the new electronic records created by the telemedicine procedure. The principles of discretion and regulations governing medical documentations remain similar for all records whether generated in paper form or electronically. Telemedicine Program is a “point-to-point” system that preserves confidentiality through encryption. This means that the presentation site managements for the patient data and medical record (Bulik, 2008). Only specialists you choose receive the medical files. Because Telemedicine Program builds on available systems of healthcare and management processes, accessible policies need only be adjusted to include the extra perspectives of electronic data and storage. A process of authorities and rights to the computer applications is incorporated to telemedicine software. Such a system requires a secured log-in security feature for all its users. Therefore, the applied policy should consider assigning relevant levels of access to the stored records for purposes of data security and integrity (Gosman et al, 2009). All clinical encounters have a patient folder. Each encounter is recognized, and a time and date stamp used that cannot be altered. It is recommended to back up these electronic data on a schedule basis to avoid a loss of information. A standard routine and well-defined processes, easily maintain this new feature of medical record keeping. Label electronic patient folders likewise to how one label paper-based patient documents (Russomano et al, 2009). Problems Analysis In order to identify and analyze the problems encountered in the business processes and operations, Porter’s value chain model is used as the theory guideline. Firm-Based Value Chain Model According to Michael Porter, value chain is the theory of underlying activities in an organization that define the major processes. The value chain processes analyses the activity flow and identifies the critical factors that bring out success. Essentially, value chain highlights the key areas and factors that add value to a business process and ultimately attach a value tag in the final product. Processes in the production chain are measured and mapped onto a balanced score card while, at the same time, targets are set and key processes are emphasized on. In addition to that, a strategic planning team is involved which focuses on the entire organization and assist the top management in aligning activities to produce a valuable product (Ershow et al, 2011). Model Application Telemedicine has been adopted by most organizations to deliver healthcare to all it employees. Through there global presence and experience in information technology, TeleStroke services require various prospects of telemedicine and essentially have added value and competence to service delivery. According to senior management of healthcare institution, application of this technology within the organization has had vast benefits to its operations and employees. For instance, through telemedicine, the has been a notable direct saving in costs in regards to healthcare, health management, and enhanced access to quality care. In addition, 24/7 services can be adequately implemented by telemedicine services. Innovative IT applications involving client-present telemedicine consultation services are effective in saving lives and reducing costs. Partners HealthCare's TeleStroke application, in full procedure and controlled by the department of Massachusetts General Hospital Neurology is economically self-sustaining and serves a fundamental need (Gogan & Garfield, 2012). The model applicable in Partners HealthCare's TeleStroke services through Health Presence and it applies high definition technology to bring together patients and doctors regardless of time variance or distance . Source: (Marttos et al, 2012) Implementation Opportunity Analysis Delivery of quality healthcare to remote locations come with a given degree of urgency especially considering the record number of veterans who establish permanent residence in rural locations. Going by this alone, it is not practical to have these wounded soldiers travel to health centers located in urban areas to visit specialists. This is not cost effective neither is it considerate seeing as technological improvements can provide for a better mechanism. Telemedicine combines medical expertise and specialist with cutting edge technology to deliver a high definition telemedicine video solution that is able to fill this vacuum and cut costs at the same time (Gosman et al, 2009). Essentially, this solution delivers specialized health care to all those who require it and saves both time and cost from the doctors and patients perspectives. Problem Identification Table Primary activities in the value chain of Partners HealthCare's TeleStroke’s IT infrastructure go a long way into boosting its performance and providing an absolute performance in terms of quality and service deliverance. The health-presence platform provides a number of advantages for Partners HealthCare's TeleStroke services organization in that they are already established IT firm, telemedicine service providers (Gogan & Garfield, 2012). Therefore, Partners HealthCare's TeleStroke clinics have the expertise, the experience, and the will force to provide quality care. Similarly, this comes with a number of drawbacks such us understanding the newness for the technology, creating awareness of the product and managing the changing market. Primary Activity Already Has Problems/Needs Impacted Decision Level Sales and marketing Vast experience in the field and Telemedicine as a brand name in technology equipment’s Large market with changing patients requirements Services Great customer care service and after sales service Necessary infrastructure Support Activity Already Has Problems/Needs Impacted Decision Level Firm infrastructure Telemedicine systems are well founded on an IT platforms and as such are fully capable of reaping the full benefits of health-presence Necessary implementation Process coordination and manipulation Human resource management Competent and reliable human capital who are equally qualified for the task at hand Availability of skillful workface Labor force management and output value generation Technology Development Being a world leading brand in the manufacture and distribution of IT, telemedicine stands on high ground when it comes to innovation and accurate implementation the entire system. Emerging technologies and competition Input and output management Procurement Considering that Telemedicine foundations are well grounded in technology and innovation, alt of effort and emphasis are put in quality and delivery when it comes to procurement if ideas. Proper hardware and software acquisition policies and procedures Resource management Implementation Effectiveness I.S Implementation at the Case Company Normally, organizations create cost advantage either through the reduction of individual activities in the chain or through reengineering the entire process and overhauling the organization (Ershow et al, 2011). Once the value chain is understood and properly defined, information systems come in handy in the analysis is the cost and evaluation of the business processes. According to the porter’s model, the following cost drivers are essential and are related to the value chain. Essentially, for a complete rollout of telemedicine ant its benefits to be realized, a number of technologies have to be considered and implemented. Since the most important support of telemedicine is internet, it has to be the basis upon which all other platform will rely on for a full implementation. Additionally, platform such as a tracking system, patients record and file exchange system, and communication mechanisms have to be facilitated and given preference as telemedicine serves to work as a normal doctor’s appointment/ visit. Tangible and Intangible Cost Estimation Primary and support activities are identified in the process to enhance the chain. Primary activities begin by producing the actual product or service that is delivered to the customer. This is then taken through the chain process of the firm to enhance its value and to ensure it satisfies the given need in the market. In other words, according to porter’s value chain a firm’s sole purpose is to create value for stakeholders, customers and owners alike, and activities that increase value in this aspect are considered critical in the process. In a nutshell, the value chain is a horizontal look at the processes from two angles, the product perspective and a department view that combines these two in the process of revenue generation (Marttos et al, 2012). However, critics view this chin as being one sided as it measures activities across the organization, as opposed to taking departmental review for budgeting purposes. Tangible and Intangible Benefit Estimation Application of telemedicine model enables organizations to cater for nearly 90 per cent of ailments affecting their employees and as such is able to save vital time otherwise spent at visiting healthcare providers. Medical appointments take place within the workplace environment saving both the company and the employee’s valuable time. Consequently, application of Telemedicine in this organization facilitates scaling down of resources as it cuts on insurance and time management. Conclusions In the end, telemedicine stands to offer more benefit than can be explained by theoretical examples. This is because it combines the best of technology and medical expertise to ensure that patients get the best care while at the same time caters for time and cost expenses. For instance, through a telemedicine meeting, a patient in remote Mountains locations may seek and attain medical treatment from a provider or professional in urban regions who have access to all relevant material without sustaining the expense of traveling to such distant locations. Finally, a type of IT/IS strategy best suited for the company to overcome the issues will be a step by step implementation to ensure all the necessary parameters of telemedicine are catered (Russomano et al, 2009). Consequently, I.S implementation will be favorable for telemedicine to perform at its best and for potential risks to be averted. This can be achieved through ensuring the technology implemented delivers the right instructions as if the patient were with the doctor. The benefits make telemedicine an opportunity to prosper for clinics and not a distraction. Recommendation Clinicians at some involvements in hospitals are fascinated in using telemedicine for other health check applications apart from stroke care. Healthcare organizations and clinics should embrace electronic technologies to facilitate telemedicine and improve their 24/7 service delivery. References Bulik, R. J., (2008). Human factors in primary care telemedicine encounters. Journal of telemedicine and telecare, 14, 169-172. Ershow, A. G., Peterson, C. M. & Riley, W. T. (2011). Virtual Reality Technologies for Research and Education in Obesity and Diabetes-Sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and Department of Defense: Virtual Reality Technologies for Research and Education in Obesity and Diabetes: Research Needs and Opportunities. Journal of diabetes science and technology, 5, 212. Gogan, L. J. & Garfield, J. M. (2012). A Telemedicine opportunity or a distraction? Case Research Journal. Vol. 32, Issue 2. Spring Gosman, A. A., Fischer, C. A., Agha, Z., Sigler, A., Chao, J. J. & Dobke, M. K. (2009). Telemedicine and surgical education across borders: a case report. Journal of surgical education, 66, 102-105. Marttos, A. C., Kuchkarian, F. M., Pereira, B., Collet-silva, F. & Fraga, G. (2012). Enhancing trauma education worldwide through telemedicine. World Journal of Emergency Surgery, 7, S4. Russomano, T., Cardoso, R. B., Fernandes, J., Cardoso, P. G., Alves, J. M., Pianta, C. D., Souza, H. P. & Lopes, M. H. I. 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