Marseille 2007
| Abstract #636 - Best practice Models in conducting a situational analysis in preparation for Telemedicine implementations in treating HIV and AIDS related illnesses in remote areas | ||||
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Session: 6.5: Posters A (Poster) on Monday in Chaired by Authors: Presenting Author: Ms Cheche Kachienga - South African Medical Research Council, South Africa |
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| Additional Authors: Mr Lorenzo Raynard, | ||||
| Method / Issue: Issue HIV and AIDS, of which the African continent has a high prevalence of, have heightened the burden on available health care structures and resources. | ||||
| Results / Comments: Project Description Telemedicine employs a number of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in providing remote health care. This innovative use of technologies creates the possibility of optimising on existing resources, especially in under-resourced rural Africa where professional care in dealing with HIV and AIDS is scarce. However, while presenting with a possible solution to the problem of under-resource, remote health care is expensive and prior to engaging in such a costly exercise, experience has shown that particular steps need to be followed which has led to a best practice model in conducting a situational analysis in preparation for telemedicine implementation. | ||||
| Discussion: Lessons Learned South Africa, being one of the continents champions in the development of remote health care, has been involved in the evaluation and implementing of some of the telemedicine initiatives. Lessons learnt that are unique to the continent and can contribute to a successful situational analysis include an assessment of: ICT availability Available infrastructure Connectivity, e.g., electricity, telephony, satellite services, etc. Computer literacy Health service delivery needs Proximity to specialist health care Assessment of other research projects and possible linkages Literature review of existing best practice models and looking at opportunities to build on those Technical support Abuse of equipment usage | ||||
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