Digital transformation evaluation of telehealth using convergence, maturity, and adoption

Abstract

ObjectivesThe objective of the study is to evaluate telehealth vis-a-vis traditional care from healthcare providers, and patients’ perspectives through the task- technology-fit lens. It attempts to create a descriptive, prescriptive, and comparative framework. MethodsUsing the input of two separate focus groups, this study compares telehealth with traditional care through the lenses of the Task-Technology-Fit theory. For the second objective, the study first reviews the existing literature to find out the research gap and establish the need for the model. The study uses the case study method to evaluate eight telehealth providers using the proposed model. The study then uses Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS) to create a perceptual map for these telehealth providers. ResultsThe proposed Digital Transformation Evaluation Model (DTEM) uses three dimensions convergence, maturity, and adoption to evaluate telehealth providers. The performance of the case organization on three dimensions was decided based on secondary data available in the public domain and input from administrators at these case organizations. The findings of the study suggest that DTEM is an effective tool to analyze telehealth providers and identify improvement areas. ConclusionsThe study concludes that there is a lack of standardization in the telehealth field. The study also suggests that patients are more aggressive in the adoption of telehealth in comparison to healthcare providers. To understand the transition of case organization into telehealth the study performs a dynamic capability analysis. The proposed model in this study is useful for healthcare administrators and policymakers. The study contributes to theory development in telehealth. Public Interest SummaryUsing the input of two separate focus groups, this study compares telehealth with traditional care through the lenses of the Task Technology-Fit theory. To provide an inclusive approach for the evaluation of telehealth providers, the study proposed Digital Transformation Evaluation Model (DTEM) using three dimensions convergence, maturity, and adoption. The study then uses the case study method to evaluate eight telehealth providers. The study further uses Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS) to create a perceptual map for these seven telehealth providers. The study concludes that there is a lack of standardization in the telehealth field. Another conclusion of the study is that patients are more aggressive to adopt telehealth compared to providers. To understand healthcare providers' transition into telehealth the study performs dynamic capability analysis. The proposed model in this study is useful for healthcare administrators and policymakers.