Richard E. Scott|Maurice Mars
Telehealth in the developing world: current status and future prospects
University of KwaZulu-Natal|University of KwaZulu-Natal
setting constant change confusing terminology telehealth continues gain ground developed developing countries within overarching milieu ehealthevidence shows telehealth used essentially countries world embedded fewuses needs telehealth vary developed developing world latter struggles communicable diseases noncommunicable diseases resourcescommon clinical applications include teleconsultation telecardiology transmission ecgs teleradiology teledermatologymany telehealth projects exist throughout latin america caribbean asia africa little published evidence isolated examples sustained programs although several sustained humanitarian networks existapplication mobile solutions mhealth rise many developing countriestelehealth still integrated existing health care systems globallyreasons vary lack proven largescale operations poor evidence base inadequate implementation lack attention soft side implementation readiness change management many othersfor developing world reasons pragmatic including limited resources unreliable power poor connectivity high cost poverty stricken needtelehealth poised improve health health care developing world driven altruistic profit motivesbut desired effect telehealth must address specific evidencebased health needs facility region country shortage health workers specialist services required skills upgrading training allowing developing world establish critical mass expertsthis achieved raising awareness understanding ability regarding telehealth capability limitations coordinated political professional involved guide public private innovation telehealth integration