Implementing an integrated multidisciplinary telehealth platform: a case study at Taichung Veterans General Hospital

To evaluate the impact of implementing a multidisciplinary integrated telehealth platform in central Taiwan on healthcare accessibility, emergency response and chronic disease management.

We analysed data from 26 institutions within a central Taiwan telehealth network between 2022 and 2024. The study evaluated the use and benefits of teleconsultation, artificial intelligence-assisted ECG monitoring during prehospital ambulance transfers and outcomes in patients with cryptogenic stroke following the platform integration. Satisfaction surveys were performed.

By 2024, more than 300 teleconsultations were performed across 26 partner facilities. Non-emergent referral rates fell from 30% in 2022 to 10% in 2024 following teleconsultations. Emergent stroke teleconsultations allowed thrombolytic therapy within the golden hour in 83% of cases. At-home ECG monitoring helped detect atrial fibrillation in 25% of cryptogenic stroke patients within 2 weeks, ensuring timely recall and initiation of appropriate antiarrhythmic therapy to prevent recurrent stroke. Surveys indicated that 83% of healthcare providers and patients were satisfied with telehealth services.

The single-centre study showcases a multidisciplinary integrated telehealth model. However, confounders existed, including changes in the healthcare system, selection bias and technology disparities. Satisfaction data may be biased. The short timeframe precludes long-term analysis, underscoring the need for broader, controlled studies to assess the sustained impact of telehealth.

The integrated telehealth centre model provides a scalable and replicable approach for healthcare delivery. Studies for long-term benefits and outcomes will help improve telehealth models.