A Maturity Model for Telemedicine Implementation

摘要

The South African National Department of Health (DoH) has, for more than a decade, recognized the potential benefit of information and communication technology (ICT) in the delivery of healthcare to rural areas. However, despite generous funding and proven technology, not many telemedicine systems have lasted beyond the pilot phase. The purpose of this paper is to propose a maturity model, which can be used to measure and manage the capability of a health system. Its aim would be to sustain health care delivery, after the pilot phase of a telemedicine project. This maturity model comprises of five existing frameworks, namely the Health Readiness Instrument for developing countries, the Layered Telemedicine Implementation Model, the PACS Maturity Model, the Telemedicine Process Model and the NHS Maturity model. The validity of this maturity model is tested by means of a focus group discussion that occurred during a workshop for provincial representatives from three South African provincial DoHs.