How can ICT transform
health care?
In developing countries like
Guatemala, these can become a
bridge between those with and those
without resources to health care.
They decrease the gap between
urban and rural areas.
It provides access to health services
for people living in rural, remote and
neglected communities.
What do we do to make the
e-health a reality?
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M-HEALTH or TELE-HEALTH
•
We are using cell phones to connect people living in rural
communities, health specialists who live in urban areas, to provide
primary health care.
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Cell Phones for sending electronic information for monitoring or
surveillance.
•
Video consultations in remote rural communities of Alta Verapaz
through Elluminate Live.
•
This allows people to not have to travel long distances to receive
health care, or be referred to articulate and timely manner when their
health situation warrants.
•
All actions are carried out jointly with health services of the Ministry
of Health for sustainability.
... What do we do to make the
e-health a reality?
TELE EDUCATION
We form technical support staff
and nurses in remote sites,
preparing people who come from
remote communities who need
culturally relevant staff, who
knows your health problems and
who wants to stay there to
provide assistance.
What differences exist between
developed and developing countries?
• The tics must conform to the technological
and cultural reality.
• It`s necessary to analyze the context.
• Rural communities and with strong
attachment to their culture, may open to
technology and change.
• Cost is important for sustainability.
• ICT advances in developing countries.
What specific actions are
needed now?
• Promote solidarity between
developed countries and those
developing and on a country level,
between the ones who have and the
ones who don't have resources.
• Promote the use of ICTs at all levels,
to break barriers because of its
ignorance.
• Creativity, innovation.
... And by whom?
•
•
•
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The State
The Academy
The private sector
Civil society in general
Everyone can contribute
from there space.
How much can the e-health
cost? and How to achieve
sustainability?
• The costs can be high at the start.
• The advantages are high:
 Individuals can receive care where they
live or work.
 Health services are spending less money.
 Increased productivity.
• Governments need to invest in e-health,
in an institutionalized and systematic way.
What does e-health need to
accelerate the development and its
management?
• Promotion and education on the
subject at many levels.
– There is much misinformation in groups
such as politicians and high-level
technicians in the health field.
– It is very important to know the great
benefits.
– More solidarity with those who have
none, on behalf of the ICT industry.
– Businesses should contribute to society
part of what society offers them as a
profit.