Research
Updated -
September 21, 2016
Provider organizations recognize telehealth as a priority for driving accessible, efficient, and effective care delivery. Yet, the majority of hospitals and health systems have not initiated telehealth programs, particularly across specialty service lines.
This white paper details how to systematically develop, launch, and scale specialty telehealth programs across service lines.
Much of the discrepancy between interest in and adoption of telehealth can be attributed to three main challenges in navigating the transition from a proof-of-concept pilot to a self-sustaining, operationally mature program.
First, program champions often overlook important market factors like consumer demand and reimbursement standards. Second, leaders rely too heavily on clinical champions to identify and pursue specialty applications. Third, programs designed and implemented in solos lead to duplication of efforts.
To overcome these hurdles, planners must provide program development support for service line leaders and clinical champions by following the tactics outlined below.
Endorse telehealth investments that strategically respond to market dynamics (p. 12)
1. Assess workforce shortages
to quantify unmet demand for
specialist access
2. Target consumer groups with
a demonstrated need for virtual
care delivery
3. Track coverage standards to
gauge financial viability of
telehealth investments
Establish a participatory, cohesive business development process (p. 16)
4. Define telehealth picklist to set
guardrails for new service line
proposals
5. Allocate staff time to planning,
networking, and program launch
activities
6. Leverage competitive forums to
fuel new ideas and boost
institutional awareness
Promote coordination and shared learning across telehealth programs (p. 22)
7. Stage program rollout based
on workflow alignment to
expedite adoption
8. Standardize process steps for
program launch to hardwire
best practices
9. Consider opportunities to
scale programs
beyond traditional market
boundaries
On p. 26 of this white paper, you'll find a sample checklist to help you structure an efficient program design and implement it successfully.