Abstract
Background: The Angolan Ministry of Health is prioritizing the strengthening of the national health system at
the district level. To attain this objective, the Angolan Ministry of Health decided to develop a national
telemedicine network in partnership with the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) and the Portuguese Institute
of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT).
Methods: Telemedicine units were created in strategic locations to enable distance education and tele-expertise
activities, using software developed by HUG adapted to local conditions. Selected participants in each site were
trained with regards to the use of the tools. A survey using questionnaires distributed to all participants was
conducted to evaluate user satisfaction and the impact of the tools. Data were analysed using a descriptive
statistical model. Additionally, two working groups were held to discuss difficulties and find appropriate
solutions.
Results: Seven telemedicine units were established, and 107 health professionals were trained. Regarding
distance education activities, over 70 courses were designed and webcast, and 95.6% of participants answered
our survey showing a high level of overall satisfaction. Uptake of tele-expertise activities was poor. Only 3
cases were discussed, and 4.7% of participants answered the survey. This was explained by low levels of
computer literacy and motivation among the participants. The lack of a legislative framework and internet
access in some places also played a role. Financial constraints halted the process of extension of the network to
additional sites.
Conclusion: More research is needed to assess the impact of the network, to understand how to scale-up to other
sites, and to conduct a cost-benefit analysis to justify the pursuit of the investments.
the district level. To attain this objective, the Angolan Ministry of Health decided to develop a national
telemedicine network in partnership with the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) and the Portuguese Institute
of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT).
Methods: Telemedicine units were created in strategic locations to enable distance education and tele-expertise
activities, using software developed by HUG adapted to local conditions. Selected participants in each site were
trained with regards to the use of the tools. A survey using questionnaires distributed to all participants was
conducted to evaluate user satisfaction and the impact of the tools. Data were analysed using a descriptive
statistical model. Additionally, two working groups were held to discuss difficulties and find appropriate
solutions.
Results: Seven telemedicine units were established, and 107 health professionals were trained. Regarding
distance education activities, over 70 courses were designed and webcast, and 95.6% of participants answered
our survey showing a high level of overall satisfaction. Uptake of tele-expertise activities was poor. Only 3
cases were discussed, and 4.7% of participants answered the survey. This was explained by low levels of
computer literacy and motivation among the participants. The lack of a legislative framework and internet
access in some places also played a role. Financial constraints halted the process of extension of the network to
additional sites.
Conclusion: More research is needed to assess the impact of the network, to understand how to scale-up to other
sites, and to conduct a cost-benefit analysis to justify the pursuit of the investments.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 87-99 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Journal | Journal of Health Informatics in Developing Countries |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 10 Apr 2018 |
Keywords
- Telemedicine
- eHealth
- telemedicine network
- Africa
- low- and middle-income countries
