The theory of use behind telemedicine: how compatible with physicians' clinical routines?

摘要: Since the early 1990s, telemedicine, or use of information technology to support delivery health care from a distance, has increasingly gained clinicians, administrators and policymakers across industrialised countries. However, "theory use" behind telemedicine-its rationale manner in which clinicians are expected it their daily activities--has been only marginally investigated. In this paper we present results qualitative study examines theory teleconsultation viewpoint physicians (n = 37) six specialities, practising Quebec (Canada) hospitals. We employ Giddens' Structuration Theory (1984) analyse views, communications needs referral strategies physicians. Two questions explored: (1) To what extent can be integrated into routines diverse medical specialities'? (2) Why how might technology? Our research indicates that specialities relying on either thorough physical examinations specialised investigative techniques unlikely restructure work accommodate teleconsultation, they view as limited. Specialities primarily exploit images numerical data tend perceive more useful. The perceived enabling properties increase function distance patient would have travel seen directly by consultant. constraining linked type transmitted, since believe objective safely consulted whereas remote physician's interpretation subjective is deemed inappropriate. thus conclude development should consolidated around applications whose compatible with existing clinical routines, offers opportunities according providers communities.