The Barriers Encountered in Telemedicine Implementation by Health Care Practitioners

The Barriers Encountered in Telemedicine Implementation by Health Care Practitioners by Olatunji Obikunle Project Management Professional (PMP), 2001 MSc Business Systems Analysis and Design, City University, London, England, 1994 MSc Geography, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, 1987 BSc Geography, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, 1985 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2015 Abstract Patients in rural areas in the United States do not have adequate health care facilities for illnesses and injuries not serious enough for emergency care, but telemedicine could have a positive impact both economically and medically to control rapidly rising health care costs, which is a significant percentage of the gross national product. The purpose of this case study was to explore the barriers physicians encountered in telemedicine implementation. Participants included 4 physicians who took part in face-to-face interviews in a clinical setting in Ohio to explore strategies used in implementing telemedicine. The results of these interviews, coupled with observations and document reviews, were analyzed. Complex adaptive systems theory was used to conceptualize the existing association between individual behavioral patterns and the social system in which the patterns take place. Significant themes showed (a) how physicians utilize the technology and (b) how the application allows physicians to build relationships with patients. The characterization strategies aimed to mitigate barriers in adopting telemedicine technology in rural markets were consistent with the study findings and the literature review. The results of this research study might contribute to positive social change through economic and health benefits to rural inhabitants by reducing the distance barrier to physicians’ offices and increasing timely and effective patient diagnosis in the selected location.Patients in rural areas in the United States do not have adequate health care facilities for illnesses and injuries not serious enough for emergency care, but telemedicine could have a positive impact both economically and medically to control rapidly rising health care costs, which is a significant percentage of the gross national product. The purpose of this case study was to explore the barriers physicians encountered in telemedicine implementation. Participants included 4 physicians who took part in face-to-face interviews in a clinical setting in Ohio to explore strategies used in implementing telemedicine. The results of these interviews, coupled with observations and document reviews, were analyzed. Complex adaptive systems theory was used to conceptualize the existing association between individual behavioral patterns and the social system in which the patterns take place. Significant themes showed (a) how physicians utilize the technology and (b) how the application allows physicians to build relationships with patients. The characterization strategies aimed to mitigate barriers in adopting telemedicine technology in rural markets were consistent with the study findings and the literature review. The results of this research study might contribute to positive social change through economic and health benefits to rural inhabitants by reducing the distance barrier to physicians’ offices and increasing timely and effective patient diagnosis in the selected location. The Barriers Encountered in Telemedicine Implementation by Health Care Practitioners by Olatunji Obikunle Project Management Professional (PMP), 2001 MSc Business Systems Analysis and Design, City University, London, England, 1994 MSc Geography, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, 1987 BSc Geography, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, 1985 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2015 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to God who has made it possible for me to reach this milestone in life. Nothing can be achieved without Him. I also dedicate this study to the memory of my father. May his soul rest in peace. Acknowledgments I would not have been able to complete this study without the backing of my doctoral committee chair, Dr. Kenneth Gossett, who provided me with deep encouragement, and a high level of unrelenting support. Dr. Gossett always assured me that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I am also thankful to my second committee chair, Dr. Roger Mayer, for his objective reviews; methodologist, Dr. Gene Fusch, for his constructive contribution, the URR reviewer, Dr. Charles Needham, and program director, Dr. Freda Tuner, for their guidance. Also, my gratitude goes to my wife, Frances, and our children, Tomi, Tolu, Temi, and Tani, all of whom provided me with an unswerving support, encouragement, and humor at each stage of my doctoral journey. My thanks also go to my friends Kayode, Yinka, Muyiwa, Babalola, and Tolu.