Factors affecting front line staff acceptance of telehealth technologies: a mixed-method systematic review

Brewster, L., Mountain, G., Wessels, B. , Kelly, C. and Hawley, M. (2014) Factors affecting front line staff acceptance of telehealth technologies: a mixed-method systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 70(1), pp. 21-33. (doi: 10.1111/jan.12196) (PMID:23786584)

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Abstract

Aim: To synthesize qualitative and quantitative evidence of front‐line staff acceptance of the use of telehealth technologies for the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Chronic Heart Failure. Background: The implementation of telehealth at scale is a governmental priority in countries including the UK, USA and Canada, but little research has been conducted to analyse the impact of implementation on front‐line nursing staff. Data sources: Six relevant data bases were searched between 2000–2012. Design: Mixed‐method systematic review including all study designs. Review methods: Centre for Reviews and Dissemination approach with thematic analysis and narrative synthesis of results. Results: Fourteen studies met the review inclusion criteria; 2 quantitative surveys, 2 mixed‐method studies and 10 using qualitative methods, including focus groups, interviews, document analysis and observations. Identified factors affecting staff acceptance centred on the negative impact of service change, staff–patient interaction, credibility and autonomy, and technical issues. Studies often contrasted staff and patient perspectives, and data about staff acceptance were collected as part of a wider study, rather than being the focus of data collection, meaning data about staff acceptance were limited. Conclusion: If telehealth is to be implemented, studies indicate that the lack of acceptance of this new way of working may be a key barrier. However, recommendations have not moved beyond barrier identification to recognizing solutions that might be implemented by front‐line staff. Such solutions are imperative if future roll‐out of telehealth technologies is to be successfully achieved.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This review was conducted as part of the Overcoming the Barriers to Mainstreaming Assistive Living Technologies (MALT) research project at the Universities of Sheffield and Leeds. MALT is a 3‐year independent research project funded by the Technology Strategy Board. MALT is an adopted project within the Telehealth and Care Technologies (TaCT) theme of Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care for South Yorkshire (CLAHRC SY). CLAHRC SY is in receipt of funding from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors, and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR, the Department of Health.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Wessels, Professor Bridgette
Authors: Brewster, L., Mountain, G., Wessels, B., Kelly, C., and Hawley, M.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
Journal Name:Journal of Advanced Nursing
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:0309-2402
ISSN (Online):1365-2648
Published Online:20 June 2013

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