Implementation Toolkit for Accessible Telehealth Services
ISBNs:
- WHO: 978-92-4-009416-1 (Electronic Version), 978-92-4-009417-8 (Print Version)
- ITU: 978-92-61-39361-8 (ePub Version), 978-92-61-39351-9 (Print Version)
Copyright: © World Health Organization and International Telecommunication Union, 2024. Available under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 IGO licence (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO).
Contents
- Foreword - Emphasizes the importance of promoting equitable access to digital health services and the role of telehealth in delivering healthcare.
- Acknowledgements - Lists contributors from WHO and ITU, including experts from various departments and external organizations.
- Executive Summary - Provides an overview of the practical guidance and stepwise approach offered by the toolkit.
- Background - Discusses the digital transformation of healthcare and the challenges in achieving equitable access to telehealth services.
- Implementation by Governments - Details the steps and strategies for government implementation.
- Implementation by Industry Partners - Describes how industry can contribute to the implementation of accessible telehealth services.
- Implementation by Health Service Providers - Offers guidance for healthcare providers in adopting accessible telehealth solutions.
- The Role of Civil Society - Highlights the importance of civil society in supporting the implementation process.
- References - Includes references and citations for further reading.
- Annexes:
- Situation Assessment Tool - A tool for assessing the current state of telehealth accessibility.
- Outline of a Stakeholder Planning Meeting - A guide for organizing stakeholder meetings.
- Useful Resources - A list of additional resources for implementing accessible telehealth services.
Foreword
The foreword highlights the importance of promoting equitable access to digital health services through telehealth. It underscores the need for addressing barriers faced by specific populations, such as people with disabilities, older individuals, and those with low literacy levels. The document calls for collaboration among Member States, industry partners, health service providers, and civil society to promote and implement accessible and inclusive telehealth services.
Acknowledgements
The toolkit acknowledges contributions from various contributors, including experts from WHO, ITU, and external organizations like Humanity & Inclusion and Sightsavers. These contributions are essential for ensuring the comprehensive and effective implementation of accessible telehealth services.
Executive Summary
The executive summary outlines the practical guidance provided in the toolkit, focusing on supporting governments, industry partners, health service providers, and civil society in implementing the Global standard for accessibility of telehealth services. The toolkit aims to facilitate the responsible and inclusive use of technology to enhance health and well-being.
Implementation Toolkit Structure
- Background: Discusses the digital transformation of healthcare and the challenges in achieving equitable access to telehealth services.
- Government Implementation: Provides strategies and steps for governments to implement accessible telehealth services.
- Industry Partners: Offers guidance on how industry can contribute to the implementation of accessible telehealth solutions.
- Health Service Providers: Provides practical advice for healthcare providers in adopting accessible telehealth solutions.
- Civil Society: Highlights the role of civil society in supporting the implementation process.
- Annexes: Includes tools and resources for assessing and planning the implementation of accessible telehealth services.
Key Points
- Accessibility Standards: The Global standard for accessibility of telehealth services is the foundation of the toolkit.
- Collaborative Approach: Emphasizes the importance of collaboration among different stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of accessible telehealth services.
- Equitable Access: Aims to promote equitable access to digital health services, particularly for marginalized populations.
Additional Notes
- Each section includes practical guidelines and tools to aid in the implementation process.
- The toolkit is available under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 IGO licence, allowing for free distribution and adaptation for non-commercial purposes.
This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the implementation toolkit for accessible telehealth services, highlighting its key components and objectives.