Managing the 'fit' of information and communication technology in community health: a framework for decision making

The 'fit' of information and communication technologies (ICT) in community health is important in meeting the needs of patients, carers, staff and org anizations in the delivery of services. A good fit leads to greater efficie ncies and effectiveness in ICT use. A multi-step research project was condu cted to look not only at the role of ICT but at how to manage ICT and make a good ICT fit to enhance community health services. Telehealth was identif ied as the application of ICT to enhance population health, health promotio n and health-service delivery. A participatory process was identified as cr itical to determining needs and potential uses as well as to the successful design and implementation of ICT in health. There was additional value in ensuring a diversity of desired outcomes which balance costs and benefits w hile fostering capacity and technical sustainability.