Multi-level determinants of tele-healthcare innovations: an Italian case study

The routine deployment of tele-healthcare solutions in healthcaresystems and at the system-level is challenging and often problematic. Thisarticle reports the results of a case study in Tuscany (Italy), aimed atinvestigating the factors that may affect these processes. A multi-leveland multi-stakeholder sample of 32 informants were interviewed in-depthabout topics based on a previous literature analysis. Crucial determinantfactors in the management of tele-healthcare services were identified inrelation to technological, individual, organisational and contextual aspects.A reorganisation of healthcare in line with more participatory dynamics ofteamwork, and more collaborative relationships within and among healthcareorganisations, as well as with other stakeholders could contribute to integratetele-healthcare into practice. Leadership and a strategic vision could alsostrongly influence the implementation and deployment of tele-healthcare.