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A telehealth study by AKU researchers suggest that there were significant cost and time savings as a result of telehealth programmes, particularly for patients from remote villages who were obliged to pay for travel and accommodation.
A telehealth study by AKU researchers suggest that there were significant cost and time savings as a result of...
The Aga Khan Development Network Digital Health Resource Centre (AKDN dHRC) was established in 2011 to provide strategic digital health support to the Aga Khan Development Network health agencies and their partner health institutions with managing their digital health operations. Leveraging the exponential growth in mobile technology, AKDN dHRC also focuses on mobile application development to address health issues prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
We develop and implement mHealth apps to create awareness in target populations, streamline processes and empower governments to monitor their health care system. We aim to strengthen health systems and improve health outcomes of poor and medically underserved communities. We employ Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to support the assessment, development and implementation of eHealth activities and programmes of our clients in Asia and Africa.
The eHealth programmes that we support improve the health status of communities in which AKDN operates by linking health institutions and health providers, promoting comprehensive and coordinated care to communities and minimising the barriers of distance and time. Through the introduction and application of ICTs, we:
improve the quality of healthcare provision;
make health care accessible to people with reduced access;
build capacity of healthcare professionals; and ultimately
strengthen health systems in LMICs.
We focus on service delivery, research and product development.
Digital health is the use of electronic means such as Information and Communication Technology to improve the quality of care, enhance the managerial and clinical capacities of health personnel, promote relevant research, share information for decision-support and promote behaviour change among communities living in rural and isolated areas (World Health Organization).
Our applications comprise:
Teleconsultations
Consultation at a distance via video conferencing or store-and-forward mode; resulting in improved access to timely information, improved diagnosis and as a result, improved care.
Professional development and capacity building via ICT to facilitate distance learning among health professionals, to increase their knowledge and enhance clinical and managerial skills. eLearning builds knowledge about eHealth, allowing health professionals to become comfortable with using eHealth tools.
Mobile devices and mobile connectivity supporting health-related activities, thereby enhancing health promotion, disease prevention and behavioural change communication.
Capturing, processing, storing and retrieving health and business-related information; thereby improving access to patient information and decision-making for the health of individuals. Health informatics also promotes business intelligence – using data in a meaningful way to make more informed health decisions.