The Telemedicine Service to Remote Areas in Algeria: Assessment
of a Demonstration Project
Marie-Pierre Gagnon, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, University
of Laval, Quebec, Canada
marie-pierre.gagnon@fsi.ulaval.ca
Introduction: The "telemedicine service to remote areas in Algeria" has been
deployed in order to ensure, through reliable and high quality means of
telecommunication, hospital information management and the opening up of isolated
area, as well as the upgrading of local expertise and maintaining a contact with
colleagues working in specialized hospitals. The activities concerned: Teleconsultation, training of medical staff, and diagnostic aid.
Methodology: An assessment of the first phase of the project was completed in
December 2007. This approach was based on a formative type, pluralistic and
understanding. To do this, we conducted an analysis of the entire project
documentation. The second phase of the project was an evaluating by analyzing the
reports made in Tele-consultation and completed by visiting the sites and making
interviews.
Results: A significant delay in the implementation of telemedicine system has limited
the collection of results during the first phase of project .Nevertheless; analysis of the
implementation of the project has permitted the documentation of the key factors for
the project success, including the mobilization of clinicians and their close
involvement in the project. The collaboration of technology providers and telecom
also contributed to the success of the project. The second phase of the project saw
the completion of Tele-consultation between remote sites and specialized hospitals.
An analysis of the use of the system will be presented.
Conclusions: This evaluation shows that a telemedicine network linking between
urban Centers and remote areas can be practical and beneficial for health
professionals, patients and population in general. It appears that several factors have
contributed to the success of this experiment. However, it is important to consider the
obstacles and risks raised by the project to promote sustainability in the Algerian
health system.