Hailey D, Foerster V, Nakagawa B, Wapshall T M, Murtagh J A, Smitten J, Steblecki J A, Wong G
Health Telematics Unit, University of Calgary, Canada.
J Telemed Telecare. 2005;11 Suppl 2:S39-41. doi: 10.1258/135763305775124650.
We formulated policies and procedures for allied health professionals (AHPs) who provide services using telehealth in Nunavut, Canada's newest Arctic territory. These are a supplement to the clinical policies and procedures already established for Nunavut physicians and nurses. The services were in the areas of audiology, dietetics/nutrition, midwifery, occupational therapy, ophthalmic services, pharmacy, physiotherapy, psychology, respiratory therapy, social work and speech therapy. Documents specific to each of the services were developed, drawing on information from Government of Nunavut data, Nunavut healthcare providers and links made through the Internet. Topics included the scope and limitations of telehealth services, staff responsibilities, training and reporting, professional standards and cultural considerations. We also considered generic policies covering common issues such as jurisdiction, licensing and liability. The policies and procedures for AHPs will enhance and expand the successes already achieved with telehealth in Nunavut. The challenges are to balance the preferred approaches to service provision with the realities of health care and communications in an Arctic setting.
我们为在加拿大最新的北极地区努纳武特使用远程医疗提供服务的专职医疗人员制定了政策和程序。这些政策和程序是对已为努纳武特的医生和护士制定的临床政策和程序的补充。服务领域包括听力学、饮食学/营养学、助产术、职业疗法、眼科服务、药学、物理疗法、心理学、呼吸疗法、社会工作和言语治疗。利用来自努纳武特政府数据、努纳武特医疗保健提供者以及通过互联网建立的链接等信息，针对每项服务制定了具体文件。主题包括远程医疗服务的范围和限制、工作人员职责、培训与报告、专业标准以及文化考量。我们还考虑了涵盖管辖权、许可和责任等常见问题的通用政策。专职医疗人员的政策和程序将巩固并扩大努纳武特在远程医疗方面已经取得的成功。挑战在于如何在北极环境下，在服务提供的首选方法与医疗保健和通信的实际情况之间取得平衡。
