International journal of medical informatics
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Review
Telemedicine across borders: a systematic review of factors that hinder or support implementation.
Innovative technologies to deliver health care across borders have attracted both evangelists and sceptics. Our aim was to systematically identify factors that hinder or support implementation of cross-border telemedicine services worldwide in the last two decades. ⋯ National telemedicine programmes may build infrastructure and change mindsets, laying the foundations for successful engagement in cross-border services. Regional networks can also help with sharing of expertise and innovative ways of overcoming barriers to the implementation of services. Strong team leadership, training, flexible and locally responsive services delivered at low cost, using simple technologies, and within a clear legal and regulatory framework, are all important factors for the successful implementation of cross-border telemedicine services.
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Healthcare technology is meant to reduce medication errors. The objective of this study was to assess unintended errors related to technologies in the medication use process. ⋯ A considerable proportion of all incidents were technology-related. Most errors were due to socio-technical issues. Unintended and unanticipated errors may happen when using technologies. Therefore, when using technologies, system improvement, awareness, training and monitoring are needed to minimise medication errors.
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The aim of this study is to create a national database to record incidents that endanger patient safety. We try to identify systemic problems in hospitals in order to avoid safety incidents in the future and improve the quality of healthcare. ⋯ The unified reporting system was found to improve the recording and analysis of patient safety incidents. To encourage hospital staff to report incidents, hospitals need to be assisted in establishing an internal report and management system for safety incidents. Hospitals also need a protection mechanism to allow staff members to report incidents without the fear of punishment. By identifying the root causes of safety incidents and sharing the lessons learned across hospitals is the only way such incidents can be stopped from happening again.