Telemedicine in Kansas: the successes and the challenges

Based on our experience of telemedicine in Kansas, we have identified sever al key factors in the success of a telemedicine practice. Very early in any project, it is important to bring together all participants (especially th e physicians who are expected to refer patients) to define the need, outlin e specific goals, analyse and test the technology, and develop a plan for t he implementation. As with traditional health-care, many partners must come together, including primary-care practitioners willing to shoulder day-to- day responsibility for management of complex patients, nurses with special expertise and consultants willing to work with a remote team using telemedi cine. These individuals must accept the challenges and appreciate the rewar ds of working in a different practice model, in which communication and int erdependence are critical for success. The telemedicine consultant is only as good as the local health-care team. The technology itself is only a smal l part of the equation.