School-based telemedicine: Perceptions about a telemedicine model of care.

Abstract

In New Zealand, a store-and-forward telemedicine programme is implemented in schools to address common health conditions. This study aimed to investigate perceptions of the non-clinical school staff involved on this telemedicine model of care. Interviews and analysis were framed by sociotechnical theory under constructs of identities, affiliations, interactions and environments. Findings show that telemedicine aligned with identities of staff as carers. Affiliations via close relationships with children and community support enabled the programme. Delivering telemedicine enhanced interactions with children. Environments related to practices and physical characteristics of the school were viewed as constrainers and enablers for delivery. School-based telemedicine delivered by school staff is perceived as an acceptable model of care. Benefits include empowerment, school cohesion and potential improvement in health literacy, with no major issues perceived. Telemedicine may be effective for treating common health conditions in school children, with potential for community members to be involved in health care.