A programme management model for the Nova Scotia telemedicine network

Sustainable telemedicine networks are not the norm but rather the exception . Unless a formal programme management model is in place, telemedicine cann ot be integrated successfully into the mainstream of modern health care. Cr itical factors in achieving sustainable telemedicine have been identified. The programme management model developed for the Nova Scotia Telemedicine N etwork incorporated the following tools: a telemedicine self-assessment ind icator, service modelling, technical design and integration, application de velopment and validation, scheduling, ongoing network management and evalua tion.