TY - JOUR
T1 - Hospice staff attitudes towards telehospice
AU - Demiris, George
AU - Parker Oliver, Debra R.
AU - Fleming, David A.
AU - Edison, Karen
PY - 2004
Y1 - 2004
N2 - Telemedicine, defined as the use of advanced telecommunication technologies to bridge geographic distance and improve delivery of care, is perceived by many as a way to eliminate barriers to quality care at the end of life. The use of telemedicine in hospice, known as telehospice, is a novel approach to such care, and few pilot studies have investigated its feasibility. The purpose of this study was to assess hospice providers 'perceptions of telehospice. A focus group session was conducted with 10 staff members from five hospice agencies in Missouri. Participants included administrators, nurses, and social workers. Overall, providers had a positive perception of telehospice and found that the use of videophone technology enhanced care by enabling providers, patients, and family members a means to communicate. However, they emphasized that it was an additional tool and not a substitute for actual visits. Issues of privacy and usability were also raised.
AB - Telemedicine, defined as the use of advanced telecommunication technologies to bridge geographic distance and improve delivery of care, is perceived by many as a way to eliminate barriers to quality care at the end of life. The use of telemedicine in hospice, known as telehospice, is a novel approach to such care, and few pilot studies have investigated its feasibility. The purpose of this study was to assess hospice providers 'perceptions of telehospice. A focus group session was conducted with 10 staff members from five hospice agencies in Missouri. Participants included administrators, nurses, and social workers. Overall, providers had a positive perception of telehospice and found that the use of videophone technology enhanced care by enabling providers, patients, and family members a means to communicate. However, they emphasized that it was an additional tool and not a substitute for actual visits. Issues of privacy and usability were also raised.
KW - Assistive technology
KW - End-of-life care
KW - Hospice
KW - Telecommunications
KW - Telehospice
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=5444254291&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/104990910402100507
DO - 10.1177/104990910402100507
M3 - Article
C2 - 15510570
AN - SCOPUS:5444254291
VL - 21
SP - 343
EP - 347
JO - American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
JF - American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
SN - 1049-9091
IS - 5
ER -