University of New Mexico Global and Geographic Medicine Program
Global Health at the University of New Mexico
Collaborations on Curanderismo/Holistic/ Traditional Medicine
International Telehealth - Promoting the Sharing of Knowledge, Understanding, Respect, Skills and Expertise
Continued advances in information communication technologies (ICT), computing and wireless networks are enabling improved access to healthcare information, health services, research and education independent of distance on an international level. In combination, these distance technologies and health-related applications constitute the concept of Telehealth. As stated by the World Health Organization, telehealth is providing a broad spectrum of health services over distance and the integration of telecommunications systems into the practice of protecting and promoting health. Telehealth covers clinical services, education for health, public and community health, health systems development, epidemiology and research. In turn, Telehealth is allowing an enhanced means of sharing knowledge and expertise, “leap-frogging” over the barriers of distance and time. Global development and integration of communication systems and networks, wireless and broad band are creating opportunities for international collaboration using Telehealth and a platform for exchange with the potential for formation of a true “network of networks” and “virtual collaboratory” that can be used world-wide. This network of networks is far more than a communication infrastructure. Rather, it but constitutes a platform for a social network and consortia of healthcare providers and educators, public health workers, investigators, and other international organizations and stakeholders.
As the world continues to “shrink”, developing this international telehealth “network of networks” offers an opportunity for cooperation, collaboration, knowledge sharing and improving the health of every individual in the world, applying information technologies for peace and the betterment of all. The time is now for open and constructive dialogue designed to facilitate that coordination between key stakeholders and other international organizations.
Objectives:
Create a partnership between the counterparts in Nepal (e.g., Medical Schools) and the UNM's Telehealth
Center to enhance the understanding of telehealth technology, management, and general implementation and
apply it to the area in and around the target cluster of villages, and replicate this experience in other
parts of the country.
The concept of boats traveling along rivers in South America to provide medical services to local communities is becoming a reality as boats
in the Amazonian region are currently being configured as mobile floating clinics on the Rio Aquarico, Rio Napo and Rio Morona; major tributaries
in Ecuador connecting to the Amazon. These boats will have Telehealth links connected to medical experts in Ecuador and anywhere in the world
through wireless telecommunication connections, providing exciting opportunities for cultural exchange and knowledge sharing, as well as
opportunities for international faculty and student interaction in a variety of disciplines. Formal agreements for these projects have been
established between Universidad Tecnologica Equinoccial in Quito other universities, Ministry of Public Health Ecuador, University of New Mexico
School of Medicine and the Iberoamerican Science, Technology, and Education Consortium (ISTEC).
The Ecuadorian Air Force is donating broad-band
satellite connectivity throughout the country, as well as links to international networks. This telehealth network is already establishing links between universities in Ecuador and remote communities in the Ecuadorian jungle, Andes and the Galapagos.
Several Latin American countries are expressing interest in participation in these Telehealth projects, including; Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil. These efforts will be coordinated in collaboration with the American Telemedicine Association Latin American, Caribbean Chapter (ATALACC). As health problems become more global, Telehealth can assist in forming bridges between all countries to address critical health issues in even the most remote areas.
Medical students from UNM have been traveling to Ecuador to conduct preliminary surveys regarding the health knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of the local people and providers in country, including a recent survey related to Chagas Disease in the Amazonian region of Ecuador. Telehealth can provide the tools for continued collaborative knowledge sharing, education and research within Ecuador and other countries. The remote sites can serve as "base camps" for ongoing field research, such as further investigation related to tropical diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, and others.
Using Ecuador as an international model, Telehealth technologies create a means of maintaining virtual continuity in
addressing global health issues, education and research. These types of international exchange experiences enhanced with
Telehealth offer significant opportunities for understanding the common denominators, as well as unique differences,
related to global health among countries and cultures around the world. These programs can promote international
understanding and mutual respect in a manner the can improve the entire global community.
