Esther Cubo1, Jacques Doumbe2, Erero Njiengwe3, Paul Onana4, Raul Garoña5, Josue Alcalde5, Joaquin Seco5, Natividad Mariscal6, Becky Manyi Epundugu2, Sixto Cubo7, Maria Jesus Coma8. 1. Neurology Department, Hospital Universitario Burgos, Burgos, Spain. Electronic address: mcubo@saludcastillayleon.es. 2. Neurology Department, Laquintinie Hospital, Burgos, Cameroon. 3. Laboratory of Behavioral Sciences and Applied Psychology, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon. 4. Recherche et Développement SkyVision Cameroon, Cameroon. 5. Centro Servicios Avanzados, Spain. 6. Neurology Department, Hospital Universitario Burgos, Burgos, Spain. 7. Department of Education Science, University of Extremadura, Spain. 8. Research Unit, Hospital Universitario Burgos, Spain.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In Sub-Saharan countries, most patients with Parkinson's disease are underdiagnosed and untreated, with a marked shortage of qualified personnel. OBJECTIVES: To develop a tele-education Parkison's disease program for health providers in Douala (Cameroon). METHODS: Feasibility, satisfaction, pre-post course medical knowledge improvement and patients' access were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty lectures over the course of a year which connected participants with movement disorder experts using live, synchronous video conferences, and teaching materials were given. Thirty-three health professionals (52.4% women) including 16 doctors, and 17 allied health professionals and 18 speakers participated. Videoconferences were successfully completed in 80%, participation ranged from 20% to 70%, and satisfaction was at least above average in 70% of the participants. Whereas medical knowledge was dramatically improved, post-course patient access was not changed. CONCLUSION: Tele-education for movement disorders in low-income countries is feasible. However, better access and patient care should be ensured as the final outcome for tele-health education. A sustainability plan is crucial to continue with this important need.
BACKGROUND: In Sub-Saharan countries, most patients with Parkinson's disease are underdiagnosed and untreated, with a marked shortage of qualified personnel. OBJECTIVES: To develop a tele-education Parkison's disease program for health providers in Douala (Cameroon). METHODS: Feasibility, satisfaction, pre-post course medical knowledge improvement and patients' access were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty lectures over the course of a year which connected participants with movement disorder experts using live, synchronous video conferences, and teaching materials were given. Thirty-three health professionals (52.4% women) including 16 doctors, and 17 allied health professionals and 18 speakers participated. Videoconferences were successfully completed in 80%, participation ranged from 20% to 70%, and satisfaction was at least above average in 70% of the participants. Whereas medical knowledge was dramatically improved, post-course patient access was not changed. CONCLUSION: Tele-education for movement disorders in low-income countries is feasible. However, better access and patient care should be ensured as the final outcome for tele-health education. A sustainability plan is crucial to continue with this important need.
Authors: H Ben-Pazi; P Browne; P Chan; E Cubo; M Guttman; A Hassan; J Hatcher-Martin; Z Mari; E Moukheiber; N U Okubadejo; A Shalash Journal: Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep Date: 2018-04-13 Impact factor: 5.081
Authors: Esther Cubo; Jacques Doumbe; Emiliano López; Guadalupe A Lopez; Emilia Gatto; Gabriel Persi; Mark Guttman Journal: Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y) Date: 2017-10-19