Feasibility study of telemedicine implementation in Hormozgan university of medical sciences

Introduction: Health care organizations encounter with new telemedicine technology create channels for cooperation, education and teleconsultation. Telemedicine is a technology communication for clinical care of patients. Achieving health care in Hormozgan province is a great problem because of its privation and existence of Islands. This study review the possibility of use of telemedicine in Hormozgan. Methods: This study was descriptive- cross sectional. Research population included: chancellor, information technology manager and medical specialists. Sample size was the same as population size. Necessary data were gathered by standard questionnaire called“ telemedicine measurement tool” rendered by Medicare. Data analysis was done by using SPSS software. Results: from total of 141 specialists, 85.5% of them indicated consultation and 71.6% of them indicated education as the best usage of telemedicine technology. Lack o technical staff and initial costs were respectively indicated by 68.8% and 66.7% of the specialist as the main barriers of telemedicine implantation. 9.2% of them have experienced teleconsultation and 7.1% tele-education. Strategic plan, supporter physicians and suitable support for implementation of telemedicine exists. Internet bandwidth was 128 kbps in average and there were no videoconferencing supplements. Conclusion: Despite existence of optimal administrative culture, with existing inappropriate infrastructure and current level of specialist's knowledge, university is not able to render telemedicine services.