BACKGROUND
Recent literature supports the efficacy and efficiency of telemedicine in improving various health outcomes, despite the wide variability in results.
OBJECTIVE
Understanding site-specific issues in the implementation of telemedicine trials for broader replication and generalizability of results is needed. Lessons can be learned from existing trials, and a blueprint can guide researchers to conduct these challenging studies using telemedicine more efficiently and effectively.
METHODS
This viewpoint presents relevant challenges and solutions for conducting multi-site telemedicine trials using seven ongoing and completed studies funded by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) portfolio of large multi-site trials to highlight the challenges in implementing telemedicine trials.
RESULTS
Implementation challenges related to clinical, informatics, regulatory, legal, quality and billing were identified and described.
CONCLUSIONS
Lessons learned from these studies were used to create a blueprint of key aspects to consider for the design and implementation of multi-site telemedicine trials.
CLINICALTRIAL
NCT02358135: Improving Specialty-Care Delivery in Chronic Skin Diseases (PI: AWArmstrong)
NCT02396576: Using Telehealth to Deliver Developmental, Behavioral, and Mental Health Services in Primary Care Settings for Children in Underserved Areas (PI: TRCoker)
NCT02038959: Connect.Parkinson (PI: RDorsey)
NCT04000971: C3FIT (Coordinated, Collaborative, Comprehensive, Family-based, Integrated, Technology-enabled Care) Stroke Care Trial (PI: KGaines)
NCT03694431: Noninferiority Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Home-Based Palliative Care (HomePal) Trial (PI: HNguyen, KMularski)
NCT04153864: SUMMIT (Scaling Up Maternal Mental healthcare by Increasing access to Treatments) Trial (PI: DRSingla)
NCT03985800: Specialty Medical Homes to Improve Outcomes for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Behavioral Health Conditions Trial (PI: ESzigethy)