To address workforce shortages and expand access to care, a telemedicine program incorporating existing infrastructure for delivery of cardiovascular care in Gulu, Northern Uganda was developed. The study had three objectives: 1) assess feasibility and clinical impact 2) evaluate patient/parent satisfaction and 3) estimate costs. All cardiology clinic visits during a two-year study period were included. All patients received an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram performed by a local nurse in Gulu which were stored and transmitted to the Uganda Heart Institute in the capital of Kampala for remote consultation by a cardiologist.
Impact / Outcome
Our data show that transmission and interpretation of echocardiograms from a remote clinic in northern Uganda is feasible, serves a population with a high burden of heart disease, has a significant impact on patient care, is favorably received by patients, and can be delivered at low cost. Further study is needed to better assess the impact relative to existing standards of care and cost effectiveness.
Funding sources
Public
Key Metrics
Expand access to care for cardiovascular disease through digital health
Operating model
Fully publicYear published
01 January 2021