Title:	HANDHELD ELECTROCARDIOGRAM: DOES ICT CONTRIBUTE TO INNOVATION IN HEALTHCARE DELIVERY?
Author(s):	Faustina Acheampong, Vivian Vimarlund
ISBN:	978-972-8939-70-0
Editors:	Mário Macedo
Year:	2012
Edition:	Single
Keywords:	Collaborative innovation, atrial fibrillation, handheld ECG
Type:	Full Paper
First Page:	77
Last Page:	84
Language:	English
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Full Contents:	click to dowload
Paper Abstract:	The use of IT-based applications to innovate the delivery of health services has been suggested as an enabler to improve both patient health outcomes and reduce the burden of care. Many studies have focused on the impact of ICT on health outcomes with limited research examining the innovative effects of ICT in the delivery of care. The purpose of this study was to explore collaborative innovation effects in the delivery of care for both caregivers and patients as a consequence of the use of an ICT-based device by patients with atrial fibrillation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the caregivers involved in a specialized care program while questionnaires were mailed to 75 patients enrolled in the program querying them about the use of a handheld ECG device for remote monitoring. Findings indicated that cardiologists considered the device as an enabler that contributes to increased quality of clinical decision-making. Patients generally found the device to be useful and felt more involved in their own care. However, the introduction of the device presented work overload for the caregivers due to the need to check data frequently. As a result, the facilitation of timely diagnostic and decision-making were not realized. ICT is an enabler through which innovation in services developed for patients can be realized. However, integration of ICT-based applications into work practices with a specification for division of labor, and responsibilities for patients and healthcare providers is central to realizing potential benefits.
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