Healthcare system sustainability: Telemedicine for community engagement?

Value of the research. Community Engagement represents an opportunity to bridge the gap between increased demand and supply of health services. This study reflects the theme of new technologies as a lever for developing Community Engagement, which the PNRR has indicated as a crucial factor for the Italian National Health System. Purpose of the paper. To understand whether telemedicine can lever the development of community engagement. The interpretation follows the doctor-patient relationship, investigating whether telemedicine improves patient engagement. Methodology. The study analyses the Italian telemedicine experience at the IRCCS Bonino-Pulejo in Messina. An interview with the project manager was administered to collect information on the new telemedicine service's satisfaction, utility, and usability. Results. Telemedicine can be a tool to improve the doctor-patient relationship and create a sense of community among patients. Moreover, patient engagement in a technology-driven healthcare environment is necessary to successfully implement new treatments. Research limitations. The results could be further strengthened by including all stakeholders involved in the service value chain. Managerial implications. The study shows that telemedicine represents an opportunity for the health system’s sustainability. However, there are also critical issues to manage: adequate training of doctors, nurses and patient-caregivers; technical difficulties as well as physical and mental fatigue. Originality of the paper. We tested the first telemedicine service in Italy to investigate whether it can improve patient engagement and the sustainability of the health system.