| Starting from the observation that non-technological elements matter to the introduction of new technologies into rural and remote communities, this thesis explores the organizational relationships that facilitate the development of a First Nations telemedicine system in northwestern Ontario. Accordingly, it adapts an existing "community readiness for telemedicine" framework to the description of factors that distinguish First Nations contexts for innovation with telemedicine. From this understanding, a First Nations led telemedicine effort is analyzed, giving way to the possibility that First Nations leadership in the introduction and development of a telemedicine system, which builds local First Nations capacity, is a requirement for success. |
