The application of qualitative approaches to the evaluation of telehealth systems in Australia

Abstract

Health Technology Assessment (HTA) of telehealth applications is necessary to assist policy making and reimbursement strategies. A number of authors have concluded that because of the complexities of health, both qualitative and quantitative data are required to resolve questions about the appropriate use of diffuse technologies such as telehealth. Both telepsychiatry and teleradiology are already covered for reimbursement in Australia. However, the majority of telehealth applications are not suitable for assessment using traditional HTA quantitative methodology. Assessment of telehealth applications should be based more on qualitative methods involving surveys of the experience of practitioners and patients, rather than relying solely on traditional quantitative methods.