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Definition Issues and concerns Indicators and Rationale CARICOM

 Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Source: WHO  Three of the eight MDGs are directly health- related: Reduce child mortality (goal 4) Improve maternal health (goal 5) Combat HIV and AIDS, malaria, and other diseases (goal 6) CARICOM

 eHealth  Cancer related illnesses  Repetitive Strain Injury ( RSI ) CARICOM

 eHealth is the use of information (data) and communication technologies for health processes (Health System) either locally and at a distance (WHO 2005).  eHealth involves telemedicine, telehealth, telecare, health management information systems, health knowledge systems etc. CARICOM

Why eHealth in Caribbean countries?  E-health has the potential to increase the efficiency of health systems, and to improve access, especially in remote areas, or for marginalised or excluded populations, or people with disabilities and the elderly. It can be used to improve service quality and can reduce the cost of healthcare delivery by reducing redundancy and duplication and introducing economies of scale. (Commonwealth Secretariat e-Health Initiatives Progress Report to Commonwealth Health Ministers) CARICOM

Proposed Caribbean Specific IndicatorsRationale Proportion of health care institutions with a LAN Wireless LANs bring the ability to access the latest patient charts, medical records and clinical decision support data at all times, anywhere in the healthcare institutions. And as caregivers travel among different facilities, wireless allows for easy connectivity at each site. Percentage of health care workers using the internet for research and referencing Enables health workers to make better treatment decisions Proportion of health care facilities using ICT by purpose Measures improvement in the delivery of health care through better diagnosis, better mapping of public health threats, better training and sharing of knowledge among health workers, and supporting health workers in primary health care, particularly rural health care. Wireless Internet has the potential to provide low-cost broadband Internet connectivity to underserved and remote areas. Proportion of data/records stored electronically Provides information on the management of information and access to that information Proportion of health care services accessible though ICT devices/sources Measures access to information and knowledge for better health.

Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. Other terms used are malignant tumours and neoplasms. One defining feature of cancer is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries, and which can then invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs. This process is referred to as metastasis. Metastases are the major cause of death from cancer. (WHO) The electromagnetic fields produced by mobile phones are classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as possibly carcinogenic to humans. (WHO) CARICOM

Proposed Caribbean Specific IndicatorsRationale Proportion of pop using computers and mobile phones with cancer Measures whether exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, such as those emitted by wireless communication devices induce long-term health effects, in particular an increased risk for cancer. CARICOM

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is the term commonly used to describe a set of musculoskeletal symptoms affecting large numbers of people, often women, in many countries. It occurs in workers who perform repetitive tasks over a prolonged period, most commonly in the hands, wrists, and arms, although other areas may be affected depending on the type of work performed. RSI causes considerable pain and discomfort in the affected areas, including loss of grip strength in the hand. Over time, disability can become so severe that temporary or permanent cessation of employment results. CARICOM

Proposed Caribbean Specific IndicatorsJustification Number of persons diagnosed with RSI Measures the proportion of persons with Injuries resulting from repeated motion (repetitive / cumulative trauma disorders -- CTDs) This includes trauma to the wrist, elbow or shoulder and ). According to the U.S. Department of Labour, ergonomic disorders are the fastest growing category of work-related illness. CARICOM

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