Perceptions of risk as a barrier to the use of telemedicine

There is little published information about the perceptions of risk in the use of telemedicine services. The present study drew on data from two separate research projects. The data comprised interviews with health professionals, technologists, managers and patient advocates involved in telemedicine. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Key themes included the need to balance risks against potential benefits and the suggestion that risk was a method of resisting change. Another theme was trust, both in health professionals and the technology itself. It appears that risk management issues may be an important barrier to the implementation of telemedicine services.