Feasibility study of telemedicine implementation in Hormozgan university of medical sciences

Introduction: Health care organizations encounter with new telemedicine technology
create channels for cooperation, education and teleconsultation. Telemedicine is a
technology communication for clinical care of patients. Achieving health care in Hormozgan
province is a great problem because of its privation and existence of Islands. This study
review the possibility of use of telemedicine in Hormozgan.
Methods: This study was descriptive- cross sectional. Research population included:
chancellor, information technology manager and medical specialists. Sample size was the
same as population size. Necessary data were gathered by standard questionnaire called“
telemedicine measurement tool” rendered by Medicare. Data analysis was done by using
SPSS software.
Results: from total of 141 specialists, 85.5% of them indicated consultation and 71.6% of
them indicated education as the best usage of telemedicine technology. Lack o technical staff
and initial costs were respectively indicated by 68.8% and 66.7% of the specialist as the main
barriers of telemedicine implantation. 9.2% of them have experienced teleconsultation and
7.1% tele-education. Strategic plan, supporter physicians and suitable support for
implementation of telemedicine exists. Internet bandwidth was 128 kbps in average and there
were no videoconferencing supplements.
Conclusion: Despite existence of optimal administrative culture, with existing
inappropriate infrastructure and current level of specialist's knowledge, university is not able
to render telemedicine services.