| Title | The need for a telemedicine strategy for Botswana? A scoping review and situational assessment. |
| Authors | Ncube, B; Mars, M; Scott, RE |
| Journal | BMC health services research |
| Publication Date | 26 Aug 2020 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 28 Aug 2020 |
| Abstract | Health, healthcare, and healthcare system problems within the developing world are well recognised. eHealth, the use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) for health, is frequently suggested as one means by which to ameliorate such problems. However, to identify and implement the most appropriate ehealth solutions requires development of a thoughtful and broadly evidence-informed strategy. Most published strategies focus on health informatics solutions, neglecting the potential for other aspects of ehealth (telehealth, telemedicine, elearning, and ecommerce). This study examined the setting in Botswana to determine the need for a telemedicine-specific strategy. A situational assessment of ehealth activities in Botswana was performed through a scoping review of the scientific and grey literature using specified search terms to July 2018; an interview with an official from the major mhealth stakeholder; and benchtop review of policies and other relevant Government documents including the country's current draft eHealth Strategy. Thirty-nine papers were reviewed. Various ehealth technologies have been applied within Botswana. These include Skype for educational activities, instant messaging (WhatsApp for telepathology; SMS for transmission of laboratory test results, patient appointment reminders, and invoicing and bill payment), and robotics for dermatopathology. In addition health informatics technologies have been used for surveillance, monitoring, and access to information by healthcare workers. The number of distinct health information systems has been reduced from 37 to 12, and 9 discrete EMRs remain active within the public health institutions. Many infrastructural issues were identified. A critical assessment of the current draft ehealth strategy document for Botswana showed limitations. Many telemedicine services have been introduced over the years (addressing cervical cancer screening, teledermatology, teleradiology, oral medicine and eye screening), but only one project was confirmed to be active and being scaled up with the intervention of the Government. Botswana's draft 'ehealth' strategy will not, in and of itself, nurture innovative growth in the application of telemedicine initiatives, which currently are fragmented and stalled. This lack of focus is preventing telemedicine's recognised potential from being leveraged. A specific Telemedicine Strategy, aligned with and supportive of the pre-existing ehealth strategy, would provide the necessary focus, stimulus, and guidance. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-05653-0 |
| Title | An efficient architecture for medical high-resolution images transmission in mobile telemedicine systems. |
| Authors | Liu, L; Wang, L; Huang, Q; Zhou, L; Fu, X; Liu, L |
| Journal | Computer methods and programs in biomedicine |
| Publication Date | 1 Apr 2020 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 1 Dec 2019 |
| Abstract | The medical high-resolution image is very important in image processing and computer vision applications, which plays a critical role in image-guided diagnosis, clinical trials, consultation, and case discussion. How to efficiently access medical high-resolution images in mobile telemedicine systems is becoming a big challenge. Therefore, this work proposes an efficient pyramid architecture for optimizing medical high-resolution images transmission and rendering. The proposed architecture consists of three core schemes: (1) unbalance pyramid scheme based on geometric relationship, (2) indexing scheme based on hash table and lattice partitioning and (3) query scheme based on similar matching. Then, we design the responsive service components: generating service, indexing service, and query service. Finally, these services are combined into a prototype system that enables efficient transmission and rendering of medical high-resolution images. The result shows that the unbalance pyramid scheme can quickly generate the pyramid structure and the corresponding image files. The indexing scheme can create the index structure and the index file in real-time. The query scheme can not only match the best layer to which the image block belongs in real-time, but also can accurately capture the query image block. The prototype system based on proposed architecture is fully compliant with the DICOM standard, which can be seamlessly integrated with other existing medical systems or mobile applications, and used in various scenarios such as diagnosis, research, and education. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmpb.2019.105088 |
| Title | The EU-project United4Health: User-centred design of an information system for a Norwegian telemedicine service. |
| Authors | Smaradottir, B; Gerdes, M; Martinez, S; Fensli, R |
| Journal | Journal of telemedicine and telecare |
| Publication Date | 1 Oct 2016 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 7 Nov 2015 |
| Abstract | Organizational changes of health care services in Norway brought to light a need for new clinical pathways. This study presents the design and evaluation of an information system for a new telemedicine service for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients after hospital discharge. A user-centred design approach was employed composed of a workshop with end-users, two user tests and a field trial. For data collection, qualitative methods such as observations, semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire were used. User workshop's outcome informed the implementation of the system initial prototype, evaluated by end-users in a usability laboratory. Several usability and functionality issues were identified and solved, such as the interface between the initial colour scheme and the triage colours. Iterative refinements were made and a second user evaluation showed that the main issues were solved. The responses to a questionnaire presented a high score of user satisfaction. In the final phase, a field trial showed satisfactory use of the system. This study showed how the target end-users groups were actively involved in identifying the needs, suggestions and preferences. These aspects were addressed in the development of an information system through a user-centred design process. The process efficiently enabled users to give feedback about design and functionality. Continuous refinement of the system was the key to full development and suitability for the telemedicine service. This research was a result of the international cooperation between partners within the project United4Health, a part of the Seventh Framework Programme for Research of the European Union. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X15615048 |
| Title | Design and Application of a Telemedicine System Jointly Driven by Videoconferencing and Data Exchange: Practical Experience from Henan Province, China. |
| Authors | Zhai, Y; Gao, J; Chen, B; Shi, J; Wang, L; He, X; Sun, D; Chen, H; Hou, H; Song, X; Zhao, J |
| Journal | Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association |
| Publication Date | 1 Jan 2020 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 6 May 2019 |
| Abstract | Background and Objectives: There are a few problems restraining the effective operation of telemedicine in China. On the basis of practices of the Henan Province Telemedicine Center of China (HTCC), the purpose of this study was to design a telemedicine system jointly driven by videoconferencing and data exchange to address the issues limiting the further development and implementation of telemedicine. Methods: Based on service-oriented architecture, the organizational design of the telemedicine system was gradually refined from top to bottom to complete its hierarchical layout. Technologies including multiprotocol stack adaptation, self-adaptive multilink network transmission, information exchange of heterogeneous medical systems, and open application system architecture were also used to construct the system. Results: The telemedicine system realizes the integration of videoconferencing, data acquisition and exchange of heterogeneous medical information systems, and the actual applications and expansion of telemedicine services. The HTCC currently covers more than 500 telemedicine centers, workstations, and service points, forming a five-level "province-city-county-township-village" telemedicine network linkage. The HTCC handles nearly 30,000 teleconsultation cases per year, helping patients save about ¥120 million Chinese Yuan RMB (approximately US $17.5 million). Conclusions: The proposed telemedicine system achieves satisfactory operation effects, along with social and economic benefits. It has the potential to increase the coverage of medical resources in remote regions, and it can play a role in solving other problems facing telemedicine development in China. The findings also inform measures for further improvement in telemedicine's implementation effects, service quality, and application scope in China and globally. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2018.0240 |
| Title | Maximum Time Between Tests: A Digital Biomarker to Detect Therapy Compliance and Assess Schedule Quality in Measurement-Based eHealth Systems for Alcohol Use Disorder. |
| Authors | Zetterström, A; Hämäläinen, MD; Karlberg, E; Winkvist, M; Söderquist, M; Öhagen, P; Andersson, K; Nyberg, F |
| Journal | Alcohol and alcoholism (Oxford, Oxfordshire) |
| Publication Date | 1 Jan 2019 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 13 Dec 2018 |
| Abstract | To evaluate, in a breathalyzer-based eHealth system, whether the time-based digital biomarker 'maximum time between tests' (MTBT) brings valuable information on alcohol consumption patterns as confirmed by correlation with blood phosphatidyl ethanol (PEth), serum carbohydrate deficient transferrin (CDT) and timeline follow-back data. Data on 54 patients in follow-up for treatment of alcohol use disorder were analysed. The model of weekly averages of 24-log transformed MTBT adequately described timeline follow-back data (P < 0.0001, R = 0.27-0.38, n = 650). Significant correlations were noted between MTBT and PEth (P < 0.0001, R = 0.41, n = 148) and between MTBT and CDT (P < 0.0079, R = 0.22, n = 120). The time-based digital biomarker 'maximum time between tests' described here has the potential to become a generally useful metric for all scheduled measurement-based eHealth systems to monitor test behaviour and compliance, factors important for 'dosing' of eHealth systems and for early prediction and interventions of lapse/relapse. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agy086 |
| Title | Going digital: a narrative overview of the clinical and organisational impacts of eHealth technologies in hospital practice. |
| Authors | Keasberry, J; Scott, IA; Sullivan, C; Staib, A; Ashby, R |
| Journal | Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association |
| Publication Date | 1 Dec 2017 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 9 Jan 2017 |
| Abstract | Objective The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of hospital-based eHealth technologies on quality, safety and efficiency of care and clinical outcomes. Methods Systematic reviews and reviews of systematic reviews of eHealth technologies published in PubMed/Medline/Cochrane Library between January 2010 and October 2015 were evaluated. Reviews of implementation issues, non-hospital settings or remote care or patient-focused technologies were excluded from analysis. Methodological quality was assessed using a validated appraisal tool. Outcome measures were benefits and harms relating to electronic medical records (EMRs), computerised physician order entry (CPOE), electronic prescribing (ePrescribing) and computerised decision support systems (CDSS). Results are presented as a narrative overview given marked study heterogeneity. Results Nineteen systematic reviews and two reviews of systematic reviews were included from 1197 abstracts, nine rated as high quality. For EMR functions, there was moderate-quality evidence of reduced hospitalisations and length of stay and low-quality evidence of improved organisational efficiency, greater accuracy of information and reduced documentation and process turnaround times. For CPOE functions, there was moderate-quality evidence of reductions in turnaround times and resource utilisation. For ePrescribing, there was moderate-quality evidence of substantially fewer medications errors and adverse drug events, greater guideline adherence, improved disease control and decreased dispensing turnaround times. For CDSS, there was moderate-quality evidence of increased use of preventive care and drug interaction reminders and alerts, increased use of diagnostic aids, more appropriate test ordering with fewer tests per patient, greater guideline adherence, improved processes of care and less disease morbidity. There was conflicting evidence regarding effects on in-patient mortality and overall costs. Reported harms were alert fatigue, increased technology interaction time, creation of disruptive workarounds and new prescribing errors. Conclusion eHealth technologies in hospital settings appear to improve efficiency and appropriateness of care, prescribing safety and disease control. Effects on mortality, readmissions, total costs and patient and provider experience remain uncertain. What is known about the topic? Healthcare systems internationally are undertaking large-scale digitisation programs with hospitals being a major focus. Although predictive analyses suggest that eHealth technologies have the potential to markedly transform health care delivery, contemporary peer-reviewed research evidence detailing their benefits and harms is limited. What does this paper add? This narrative overview of 19 systematic reviews and two reviews of systematic reviews published over the past 5 years provides a summary of cumulative evidence of clinical and organisational effects of contemporary eHealth technologies in hospital practice. EMRs have the potential to increase accuracy and completeness of clinical information, reduce documentation time and enhance information transfer and organisational efficiency. CPOE appears to improve laboratory turnaround times and decrease resource utilisation. ePrescribing significantly reduces medication errors and adverse drug events. CDSS, especially those used at the point of care and integrated into workflows, attract the strongest evidence for substantially increasing clinician adherence to guidelines, appropriateness of disease and treatment monitoring and optimal medication use. Evidence of effects of eHealth technologies on discrete clinical outcomes, such as morbid events, mortality and readmissions, is currently limited and conflicting. What are the implications for practitioners? eHealth technologies confer benefits in improving quality and safety of care with little evidence of major hazards. Whether EMRs and CPOE can affect clinical outcomes or overall costs in the absence of auxiliary support systems, such as ePrescribing and CDSS, remains unclear. eHealth technologies are evolving rapidly and the evidence base used to inform clinician and managerial decisions to invest in these technologies must be updated continually. More rigorous field research using appropriate evaluation methods is needed to better define real-world benefits and harms. Customisation of eHealth applications to the context of patient-centred care and management of highly complex patients with multimorbidity will be an ongoing challenge. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.1071/AH16233 |
| Title | [Telemedicine in Germany]. |
| Authors | Marx, G; Beckers, R |
| Journal | Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz |
| Publication Date | 1 Oct 2015 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 22 Aug 2015 |
| Abstract | |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.1007/s00103-015-2232-4 |
| Title | The use of telemedicine in Italian Blood Banks: a nationwide survey. |
| Authors | Berti, P; Verlicchi, F; Fiorin, F; Guaschino, R; Cangemi, A |
| Journal | Blood transfusion = Trasfusione del sangue |
| Publication Date | 1 Jan 2014 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 15 Nov 2012 |
| Abstract | Telemedicine is defined as the use of electronic information and communication technologies to provide health care between distant people. Many activities in transfusion medicine could benefit from the application of telemedicine. To map the spread of the use of telemedicine in transfusion medicine in Italy, the Italian Society of Transfusion Medicine and Immunohaematology (SIMTI) performed a nationwide survey: the results are presented in this paper. A survey, dealing with different aspects of the use of telemedicine, was performed by sending a questionnaire to 280 Italian Blood Centres. The survey was designed to evaluate the diffusion of telemedicine and the features of the systems, with special attention to the systems' safety and legal adequacy. One section of the questionnaire was designed to identify the features of the systems considered essential by the respondents. Out of 280 Blood Services contacted, 196 (70%) filled in at least one of the questions of the online questionnaire. Globally the use of some form of telemedicine was reported by 70% of the respondents. Telemedicine is used for remote validation of laboratory tests by 32% of the Centres that responded, for remote biological validation of blood units by 34% and for assignment of blood components by 29%. Less frequently, telemedicine is used to control electronic refrigerators, for electronic blood requests and for bed-side identification of patients. The use of telemedicine is widespread in Italian Blood Services. There appears to be some heterogeneity between structures with regards to the evaluation of the systems' safety and their legal adequacy. No telemedicine system should be introduced into practice until it has proven to have the same standards of safety as the corresponding "on site" activity. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.2450/2012.0112-12 |
| Title | An e-health driven laboratory information system to support HIV treatment in Peru: E-quity for laboratory personnel, health providers and people living with HIV. |
| Authors | García, PJ; Vargas, JH; Caballero N, P; Calle V, J; Bayer, AM |
| Journal | BMC medical informatics and decision making |
| Publication Date | 10 Dec 2009 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 17 Dec 2009 |
| Abstract | Peru has a concentrated HIV epidemic with an estimated 76,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV). Access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) expanded between 2004-2006 and the Peruvian National Institute of Health was named by the Ministry of Health as the institution responsible for carrying out testing to monitor the effectiveness of HAART. However, a national public health laboratory information system did not exist. We describe the design and implementation of an e-health driven, web-based laboratory information system--NETLAB--to communicate laboratory results for monitoring HAART to laboratory personnel, health providers and PLHIV. We carried out a needs assessment of the existing public health laboratory system, which included the generation and subsequent review of flowcharts of laboratory testing processes to generate better, more efficient streamlined processes, improving them and eliminating duplications. Next, we designed NETLAB as a modular system, integrating key security functions. The system was implemented and evaluated. The three main components of the NETLAB system, registration, reporting and education, began operating in early 2007. The number of PLHIV with recorded CD4 counts and viral loads increased by 1.5 times, to reach 18,907. Publication of test results with NETLAB took an average of 1 day, compared to a pre-NETLAB average of 60 days. NETLAB reached 2,037 users, including 944 PLHIV and 1,093 health providers, during its first year and a half. The percentage of overall PLHIV and health providers who were aware of NETLAB and had a NETLAB password has also increased substantially. NETLAB is an effective laboratory management tool since it is directly integrated into the national laboratory system and streamlined existing processes at the local, regional and national levels. The system also represents the best possible source of timely laboratory information for health providers and PLHIV, allowing patients to access their own results and other helpful information about their health, extending the scope of HIV treatment beyond the health facility and providing a model for other countries to follow. The NETLAB system now includes 100 diseases of public health importance for which the Peruvian National Institute of Health and the network of public health laboratories provide testing and results. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6947-9-50 |