Telemedicine in Peru and Nicaragua: an empirical analysis

Telemedicine Definition: Different communication-based solutions that enable isolated/scattered populations to have access to remote health services Most efforts in rural areas haven’t worked due to: Lack of infrastructure Poor purchasing capacity Difficulties in accessing maintenance & repair

This Paper’s Study Empirical analysis dealing with consultation, information, and training needs of health staff in rural areas of developing countries in order to identify those needs that can be improved by accessible communication networks

Important terms Health Center (HC) Health Post (HP) Located in towns Have access to telephone networks Headed by physicians Have some infrastructure, equipment for diagnostic tests and some allow hospitalization Health Post (HP) Are under HPs Are in small towns (no more than 1000 inhabitants) Have no telephone lines Badly endowed with road infrastructures

Study Areas (1998 – 2002) Study involved: conducting personal interviews guided by a questionnaire on all stuff found at each area

Focus of Questionnaire

Class discussion Comment on the comprehensiveness of the questionnaire Is it sufficient? Are there ways it could be improved? Is it an overkill?

Results Primary health system are inefficient due to difficulties in sharing information. Sample telecommunication constraints include:

Class discussion Comment on the applicability of these results to other rural areas in the world? Is it necessary to conduct similar studies in other parts of the world that need telemedicine in their rural areas?

Future Telemedicine Systems There is a need for telemedicine systems in rural areas that meet these criteria:

Future Telemedicine Systems

Class discussion What is your opinion regarding these conditions?