Implementing an integrated multidisciplinary telehealth platform: a case study at Taichung Veterans General Hospital.
BMJ Health & Care Informatics · 2025-10-15 · Observational study
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of implementing a multidisciplinary integrated telehealth platform in central Taiwan on healthcare accessibility, emergency response and chronic disease management. METHODS: We analysed data from 26 institutions within a central Taiwan telehealth network between 2022 and 2024. The study evaluated the use and benefits of teleconsultation, artificial intelligence-assisted ECG monitoring during prehospital ambulance transfers and outcomes in patients with cryptogenic stroke following the platform integration. Satisfaction surveys were performed. RESULTS: By 2024, more than 300 teleconsultations were performed across 26 partner facilities. Non-emergent referral rates fell from 30% in 2022 to 10% in 2024 following teleconsultations. Emergent stroke teleconsultations allowed thrombolytic therapy within the golden hour in 83% of cases. At-home ECG monitoring helped detect atrial fibrillation in 25% of cryptogenic stroke patients within 2 weeks, ensuring timely recall and initiation of appropriate antiarrhythmic therapy to prevent recurrent stroke. Surveys indicated that 83% of healthcare providers and patients were satisfied with telehealth services. DISCUSSION: The single-centre study showcases a multidisciplinary integrated telehealth model. However, confounders existed, including changes in the healthcare system, selection bias and technology disparities. Satisfaction data may be biased. The short timeframe precludes long-term analysis, underscoring the need for broader, controlled studies to assess the sustained impact of telehealth. CONCLUSION: The integrated telehealth centre model provides a scalable and replicable approach for healthcare delivery. Studies for long-term benefits and outcomes will help improve telehealth models.
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Tags
ECG transmission · Implementation · Interfacility & critical care transport · Telemedicine
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