Using an action research approach to design a telemedicine system for critical care

Abstract

This paper reflects on the Action Research approach adopted in the design of the ECHONET (EchoCardiographic Healthcare Online Networking Expertise in Tasmania) system - a telemedicine system developed by CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation) Australia to facilitate the sharing of expertise and services between the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of a major tertiary hospital and a remote hospital in Tasmania, Australia. The baseline study within this project has been used to evaluate the ways in which the Action Research approach influenced the project directions and its success, allowing the project team to better tailor the system to the clinicians' needs and deal with the unanticipated complications that are common in health projects.