Programmatic Considerations when Scaling Acute Care Telemedicine Services Externally

Abstract

After successfully implementing an acute care telemedicine program internally, health care institutions often consider expanding and scaling services externally beyond the initial organizational network. This report outlines important considerations when expanding acute care telemedicine services externally, including cultural alignment and agility, practice context, staffing models, telemedicine technology selection, interrelated services, legal and compliance considerations, quality assurance, risk management, financing, and integration with medical education. These factors may inform program leaders of major planning considerations, potential barriers, and could influence strategic planning. Prospectively identifying and resolving challenges prior to contracting with new external sites will facilitate smooth, successful implementation and high utilization of the acute care telemedicine service.