Challenges in evaluating telehealth through RCT-the problem of randomization
Sharma Urvashi, Julie E. Reed, Cathal Doyle, Derek Bell · Studies in health technology and informatics · 2012
Telehealth is heralded as a panacea to control burgeoning demand on healthcare resources and lack of streamlining in care delivery. However, evaluating the effectiveness of telehealth on health and care delivery outcomes through randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has been an issue of contention. This research investigates the issues that affect telehealth evaluation. The strategy adopted in this research involved conducting a qualitative longitudinal case study, in the UK. Data was collected through focus group discussions and interviews; and analyzed thematically. The results of this research indicate that there are both practical and methodological issues that affect evaluation of telehealth through RCT in healthcare. Addressing these issues is vital in order to understand how an evaluation strategy should be deployed, and whether it is suited to the healthcare context.