Abstract
Frame of the research. Community Engagement represents an opportunity to bridge the gap between increased demand and supply of health services. This study reflects the theme of new technologies as lever for the development of Community Engagement, which the PNRR has indicated as a crucial factor for the Italian National Health System.
Purpose of the paper. To understand if telemedicine can lever the development of community engagement. The interpretation follows the doctor-patient relationship, investigating whether telemedicine fosters improving patient engagement.
Methodology. The study analyses the Italian telemedicine experience at the IRCCS Bonino-Pulejo in Messina. An interview to the Project Manager was administered to detect information on the satisfaction, utility, and usability of the new telemedicine service.
Results. Telemedicine can be a tool to improve the doctor-patient relationship and create a sense of community among patients. Moreover, patient engagement in a technology-driven health care environment is a necessary variable for the successful implementation of new treatments.
Research limitations. The results could be further strengthened by including all stakeholders involved in the service value chain.
Managerial implications. The study shows that telemedicine can answer the widespread need for health without space and time limits. It allows the humanisation of a technology-driven system, which requires strong patient and community engagement to be built simultaneously.
Originality of the paper. We tested the first telemedicine service in Italy, to understand the point of view of those operating in the field, to contribute to a bottom-up harmonisation process of e-health. Among the ever more cohesive service community engagement has been developing and paving the way for care in Community Homes.