Teledermatology: The case of adoption and diffusion of telemedicine Health Waikato in New Zealand

Telemedicine emerged as a possible solution to New Zealand health providers in reaching out to rural patients, by offering medical services and conducting administrative meetings and training. However, despite the rapid growth and high visibility of these projects in countries like the United States, relatively few patients are now being seen through telemedicine. Accordingly, this research attempts to investigate telemedicine's effectiveness in New Zealand by using a theoretical framework. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to explain factors influencing the adoption and diffusion of telemedicine utilising the video conferencing technology (TMVC) for dermatology within Health Waikato Ltd. (HW). Findings indicate weak presence of critical assessment into technological innovation prior to adoption. Factors like complexity, compatibility, and trialability were not assessed extensively by HW, and would have hindered its adoption. Teledermatology was mainly assessed according to its relative advantage and cost effectiveness. While essential this should be alongside other factors pertaining to as addressed within this research. On the other hand, the wide diffusion of teledermatology relied on its economical benefit to HW and on its effectiveness as a diagnostic tool. This research highlights the importance of the product champion for the successful adoption and diffusion of teledermatology.