A framework for telehealth program evaluation.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Digital Health
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Evaluating telehealth programs is complex, necessitating standardized frameworks for consistent study design and reporting.
• Existing frameworks often focus on application, technology, and functionality, but require expansion to encompass broader contexts and outcomes.
• The proliferation of telehealth services demands adaptable evaluation tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a comprehensive, multidimensional framework for the design, implementation, and evaluation of telehealth services.
• To address the need for standardized terminology and properties in telehealth research.
• To provide a flexible and extensible tool for evaluating diverse telehealth programs.

Main Methods:

• A systematic survey of existing telehealth evaluation frameworks in the literature.
• Development of a novel, multidimensional framework with six key dimensions: health domains, health services, delivery technologies, communication infrastructure, environment setting, and socioeconomic analysis.
• Application of the framework to evaluate telehealth programs in rural and remote Australia and mapping of international studies.

Main Results:

• The proposed framework offers a structured approach to telehealth evaluation, encompassing six key dimensions.
• The framework is characterized by its loose coupling, ease of use, broad applicability, and extensibility.
• Demonstrated feasibility through application in Australian rural/remote telehealth programs and international case studies.

Conclusions:

• The presented comprehensive framework provides a robust and adaptable tool for describing, designing, and evaluating telehealth services.
• Its multidimensional nature and key characteristics facilitate consistent and thorough telehealth program assessment.
• The framework supports future developments and evolving needs in the dynamic field of telehealth.