Rashid Bashshur, Ph.D.

Sudhir Reddi Rachapalle, D.O, DNB, MPH, Kevin D Frick, Ph.D.,  Rajiv Raman, MS, DNB,   Padmaja Kumari Rani, MS, FNB,  Tarun Sharma, M.D.,  Murali Vasudevan, BSc.

ABSTRACT

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that has been increasing at an alarming rate and is becoming the leading cause of blindness in developed countries. In India, the incidence of diabetes is increasing rapidly while the disparity in access to health care between urban and rural population creates the potential for disparate outcomes. Currently, few ophthalmologists in India have been trained in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

A model is herein proposed that utilizes mobile tele-ophthalmology in screening for diabetic retinopathy in rural south India. Mobile tele-screening technology with a satellite connection between the mobile van and the medical center enables, ophthalmologists to screen the rural population. This minimizes the number of unnecessary referrals to the main center for diagnostic investigation and treatment, and also reduce the cost of the screening program. Five districts in Karnataka state in south India are included in the projects with an estimated 12,500 diabetic retinopathy cases to be identified and treated in 5 years. The program also aims to spread the awareness of the condition and the need for early screening and treatment. Initial analysis suggests that the proposed model is cost effective when compared with the existing model for identifying diabetic retinopathy and screening large population in a short time.
 

Anita Melander-Wikman, Maria Jansson and Gunvor Gard.

ABSTRACT

There is a need for high quality evaluation instruments when testing new mobile devices and services. The aim of this study was to describe the development of the MobiHealth Usability Evaluation Questionnaire. It was developed in a step-wise consensus process with close interaction between researchers, technology developers and end-users. The questionnaire ten dimensions: functionality, user interface, effectiveness, efficiency, satisfaction, safety, functional and aspirational needs, mastery and empowerment, mobility and activity, quality of life and ethical considerations. These dimensions are defined and their usage as parameters in an evaluation instrument is discussed. The conclusion is that the MobiHealth Evaluation Questionnaire can be used as a basis for method development when evaluating mobile care and rehabilitative devices, but it should be tested for reliability before actual use.
 

Steve Roey, M.D., M.S.Ed.

ABSTRACT

This paper is aimed at assessing the effects of an interactive, skill-based telephone medicine curriculum on enhancing telephone skills and attitudes of internal medicine interns. Five interns were assigned to a telephone medicine curriculum group (TM) based on schedule availability. Another 9 interns were assigned to a control group (C) that received no training during the intervention period. The telephone medicine curriculum was delivered in four, 2-hour interactive sessions on communication skills, medico-legal aspects, managing difficult patients, and telephone office systems. Intern skills in both groups were assessed during direct observation of a telephone medicine encounter performed pre- and post-intervention using a standardized rating scale and 3-way conference calling. Intern attitudes and behaviors were assessed using a questionnaire administered before the intervention and one month post-intervention. Interns in the curriculum group rated greater skill and comfort with providing support and reassurance over the telephone and an improved ability to document the encounter versus the control group. Furthermore, interns in the intervention group demonstrated greater skill in interviewing, empathetic listening, educating patients and closing the telephone encounter. The use of an interactive, skill-based telephone medicine curriculum can improve Internal Medicine interns’ ability to interview, provide support, educate patients and document telephone encounters.
 

Dennis E. Oji, M.D., Takeshi Utsumi, Ph.D., Chris Uwaje, FNCS.

ABSTRACT

Plans calls for establishing The International Centers of Excellence for e-health in Africa at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital to promote National e-Health/Telemedicine Policy in Nigeria and throughout Africa, in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Global University System in Nigeria (GUS/Nigeria).

The Global University System (GUS)1 is a worldwide initiative to create advanced telecommunications infrastructure for access to educational resources across national and cultural boundaries. GUS is aimed at creating a worldwide consortium of universities to provide the underdeveloped world with access to modern education via broadband Internet technologies. Its ultimate goal is to achieve “education and healthcare for all,” anywhere, anytime and at any pace, as a basis for promoting global peace.

The GUS works in the major regions of the globe in partnership with institutions of higher education and healthcare delivery. Learners in these regions will be able to take their courses from member institutions around the world and receive a GUS degree. Both learners and professors from partner institutions also form a global forum for the exchange of ideas and information and for conducting collaborative research and development with emerging global GRID computer network technology.
 

Kiyoko Nagami, Hiroshi Juzoji, Isao Nakajima, Kiyoshi Igarashi, Kenji Tanaka