Telehealth looks good - but why does it work?

Does it work? The published evidence is weak so far. Is it value for money? The technology is being promoted heavily by the companies selling it. There are hidden costs too. Would the personal care that comes with it achieve the same results without the tachnology attached? It is personal care that is being cut to pay for the technology! mark mccartney

There is no doubt that telehealth works, there are a number of outcomes that could be termed a success or indeed a failure. Success or failure partly depends on the expectation of the end user (patient) and also clinicians and budget holders. What is essential is ease of use for patients and clinicians alike. Current provision of telehealth is expensive and does not give real value for money and there is no integration - watch this space! Jon Pither