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BMC Health Services Research
Published in: BMC Health Services Research 1/2007

Open Access 01-12-2007 | Research article

Exploring the effects of telehealth on medical human resources supply: a qualitative case study in remote regions

Authors: Marie-Pierre Gagnon, Julie Duplantie, Jean-Paul Fortin, Réjean Landry

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2007

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Abstract

Background

The availability of medical human resource supply is a growing concern for rural and remote communities in many countries. In the last decade, various telehealth experiences in Canada have highlighted the potential impact of this technology on professional practice. The purpose of this study was to explore physicians' and managers' perceptions regarding the potential of telehealth to support recruitment and retention of physicians in remote and rural regions.

Methods

A case study in Eastern Quebec was performed to explore this complex phenomenon. The analytical framework was based on two literature reviews and a Delphi study. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with 41 physicians and 22 managers. Transcripts were produced and interview content was coded independently by two judges and validated by an expert panel.

Results

Interviews have highlighted the potential impact of telehealth on several factors influencing the recruitment and retention of physicians in rural and remote regions. The potential effects of telehealth on physicians' choice of practice location could be seen at the professional, organizational, educational and individual levels. For instance, telehealth could improve work satisfaction by allowing a regional on-call duty system and a better follow-up of patients. However, there are also certain limits related to telehealth, such as the fear that it would eventually replace all continuing medical education activities and onsite specialists in remoteregions.

Conclusion

Telehealth is likely to have an impact on several factors related to medical workforce supply in remote and rural regions. However, the expected benefits will materialize if and only if this technology is properly integrated into organizations as a support to professional practice.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Exploring the effects of telehealth on medical human resources supply: a qualitative case study in remote regions
Authors
Marie-Pierre Gagnon
Julie Duplantie
Jean-Paul Fortin
Réjean Landry
Publication date
01-12-2007
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2007
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-7-6

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