Title: Potential of telemedicine: a preliminary evaluation through the innovation diffusion lens

Authors: Bardo Fraunholz, Chandana Unnithan

Addresses: School of Information Systems, Faculty of Business and Law Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood Melbourne Victoria 3125, Australia. ' School of Information Systems, Faculty of Business and Law Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood Melbourne Victoria 3125, Australia

Abstract: With the rapid diffusion of innovative technologies in the healthcare industry, the potential of telemedicine has increasingly come into focus. Touted as a catalyst for an equitable healthcare framework among nations, research is wide and one spotlight is on the potential of this innovation to diffuse among the wider society. In this paper, we attempt a preliminary evaluation of the potential of telemedicine through the components of [Diffusion of Innovations (4th ed.). NY: The Free Press] diffusion of innovations theoretical lens, drawing also as relevant from reported literature. We expect that this preliminary evaluation will facilitate further academic research and make other stakeholders, such as regulators, medical practitioners, telecommunication providers and vendors, aware of potential steps to be taken to leverage telemedicine diffusion.

Keywords: critical care telemetry; innovation diffusion; telemedicine; healthcare technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHTM.2007.013166

International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 2007 Vol.8 No.3/4, pp.315 - 332

Published online: 11 Apr 2007 *

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