Evaluation of Telehealth implementation in government primary health clinics - A study protocol

Advances in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and increased pressure to improve accessibility and quality health services have sparked the interest in Telehealth as a method to deliver healthcare more effectively and efficiently. The successful implementation of Telehealth had reported many benefits and improved healthcare delivery. Health and government agencies globally are already establishing Telehealth in their healthcare systems, including Malaysia. The Telemedicine Blueprint first published in 1997 proves the commitment of the government towards harnessing the ICT potential for promoting greater and more equitable access to health care services for rural and remote areas. Despite huge investments made in this direction, the impact on the Malaysian healthcare system is yet to be evaluated. The purpose of this research is to support evidence-informed policy making surrounding Telehealth implementation. This descriptive case study will employ both qualitative and quantitative methods, on the background for the implementation of the Telehealth and evaluation on its impact to the health system. By examining two government primary care clinics with Telehealth in a real setting, this study will use socio-technical approach to examine the strategies involved, implementation challenges and evaluation of Telehealth. This research will provide increased understanding of how and to what degree Telehealth implementation is supporting the healthcare services particularly in the primary care setting. The results of the ‘best-practices’ and ‘lesson-learned’ of Telehealth implementation will contribute towards developing framework and new models of measurable improvements which is considered to be a substantial issue that need to be put forward.