Two studies were conducted to test the feasibility of delivering care by videoconferencing to facilities providing care for elderly people. Both used equipment connected by ISDN lines at 384 kbit/s. During the first study, no consultations, care plans or assessments were conducted. During the second study, 120 assessments were conducted in just over two weeks, both face to face and by videoconference. Why was one project so successful and the other not? The reasons related to ownership, planning, participants and location. A comparison of the two projects highlights some of the considerations necessary to ensure the success of any telehealth project.
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