Future proofing telehealth in developing countries

Abstract

There is growing recognition of the need to integrate telehealth and health informatics applications to provide cohesive e-health solutions. This is best achieved by the development of a sound national e-health strategy with which national telehealth activities can be aligned in order to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of investment. Based on experience from site visits to various Asian and African countries, discussion and assessment of e-health initiatives there, several common principles and a logical sequence of steps have been identified. A conceptual framework has been drawn up, based on two components, six principles and a six-step process. The framework described can be considered a country-level, needs-assessment process that integrates telehealth and guides future national strategic e-health plans. It establishes a sound and defensible strategy that will shape and future-proof a country's e-health ambitions.