Aim: The aim of the paper was to identify the models of information exchange for UK
telehealth systems.
Methodology: Twelve telehealth offerings were evaluated and models representing the
information exchange routes were constructed. Questionnaires were used to validate the
diagrammatical representations of the models with a response rate of 55%.
Results: The models were classified as possessing four sections: preparing for data transfer,
data transfer, information generation and information transfer from health professional to
patient.
In preparing for data transfer, basic data entry was automated in most systems though
additional inputs (i.e. information about diet, lifestyle and medication) could be entered
before the data was sent into the telehealth system. For the data transfer aspect, results and
additional inputs were sent to intermediate devices, which were connectors between point-
of-care devices, patients and health professionals. Data were then forwarded to either a web
portal, a remote database or a monitoring/call centre. Information generation was either
through computational methods or through the expertise of health professionals. Informa-
tion transfer to the patient occurred in four forms: email, telehealth monitor message, text
message or phone call.
Conclusion: On comparing the models, three generic models were outlined. Five different
forms of information exchange between users of the system were identified: patient-
push, system-stimulation, dialogue, health professional-pull and observation. Patient-push
and health professional-pull are the dominant themes from the telehealth offerings
evaluated.