Have you ever seen a photo mosaic? From afar, you
can intuitively recognize an identifiable entity but when you step
closer, look carefully, you realize that the big picture view is
actually the synthesis of hundreds of tiny pictures that together
give life to the whole.
Taken
together, I believe Canadian telehealth success stories are giving
rise to a vision of health information and care, anytime, anywhere.
From health care management and monitoring tools to web-based education
and communication, telehealth care delivery is one more mechanism
we have for providing clients and families with the customized knowledge
they need to make the best choices in the care of their own conditions.
In
order to successfully execute information and communication technologies
(ICTs) in health care delivery, organizations must have a culture
of innovation throughout that guides new ideas and approaches through
to execution. In addition to targeted resources, this requires commitment,
structure and focus. Knowledge sharing and system-wide cooperation
are also needed to foster a sense of connectivity that is so pivotal
to this whole approach.
The
great news is that telehealth initiatives have tremendous potential
to support meaningful and much-needed transformation. In addition
to offering clients timely access to care and services that are
responsive to their needs regardless of their location, they can
build an expanded knowledge base and support system for health care
professionals and contribute to a “smarter”, more sustainable health
system for the future. And when it all comes together, that will
be a powerful picture indeed.
