Quality management practices in telehealth programs: a stakeholder accountability framework.

Improved technologies, distances between providers and patients, and an emphasis on cost-containment have encouraged the use of telehealth as a method of service delivery. Despite the increased use of this technology, few studies have been conducted on management of telehealth programs. Research on quality management is essential for disseminating and generalizing information on best practices in telehealth programs. This study focused on quality management practices used in telehealth programs, using a Stakeholder Accountability Framework. We propose that different indicators of quality are employed to satisfy the expectations of different internal and external stakeholders. A national survey of telehealth programs (N=93) was conducted in January, 2001. Wide variations in practices were found, with the most notable differences between not-for-profit and proprietary programs. The dimensions illustrated in the Stakeholder Accountability Framework were supported empirically. Implications of differences are examined as they relate to advancing quality in telehealth.