The overall methodology for the survey was qualitative one-one semi-structured interviews of with key regional health care providers across Idaho. The Idaho Telehealth Task Force identified 15 individuals deemed key stakeholders, due to their knowledge of and/or experience with telehealth in their respective regions. An additional individual was recommended by one of the identified stakeholders and subsequently invited to participate. A standardized communication protocol was implemented for contacting all 16 stakeholders by e-mail and inviting them to participate in an hour-long in-depth telephone interview. Those who responded via e-mail and agreed to participate were subsequently contacted by phone to schedule the interview. Interviews …show more content…
Description of Participants Of the 16 suggested stakeholders, 13 individuals participated in the telephone interviews (87% response rate). Across respondents, with the exception of Region 3, all the Idaho regions identified in Exhibit 1 were represented. The respondents represented a variety of professional positions, including Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Chief Information Officers (CIOs), Executive Directors, other hospital administrators, and physicians, including primary care providers and specialists. Respondents reported between 10–30 years of experience working in health care. Time in their current positions ranged from 6 months to approximately 10 years. All respondents, with the exception of one, reported they were currently involved in some form of telehealth service delivery. This involvement included developing and/or administering telehealth programs, as well as serving as advocates and/or telehealth service provider. Most respondents reported that telehealth services had been offered in their regions for approximately 5 years, with some stating services had been offered approximately 7 years, and others reporting 2–3 years. The most commonly reported telemedicine services were tele-psychiatry and tele-cardiology, followed by telestroke and teledermatology. Exhibit 2 provides an overview of respondents’ affiliations and respective