Teleradiology: a new clinical program starts in Cape Verde

16/12/2013

A new clinical telemedicine program started on December 16th, 2013 in Cape Verde. Dr. Jesus Rabaza Peres, radiologist from the Hospital Baptista de Souza in Mindelo, teleconsulted three cases.

Dr. Rabaza Peres examining the patient’s X-ray while videoconferencing with his colleagues at the Hospital du Sal

A new clinical telemedicine program started on December 16^th, 2013 in Cape Verde. Dr. Jesus Rabaza Peres, radiologist from the Hospital Baptista de Souza in Mindelo, teleconsulted three cases referred by Dr. Leonilde Coreia and Dr. Helder Pereira from the Hospital du Sal. Teleradiology marked the tenth clinical telemedicine program that is launched in Cape Verde since the teleconsultations started six months ago, on May 15^th, 2013. During six months, 66 cases have been teleconsulted. Hospital du Sal has referred 56% of the cases with Dr. Helder Pereira being the referral doctor for over 20 cases. Unofficially, he was labeled the “Cabo Verdean Telemedicine Champion of the Year”. Teledermatology, telecardiology and teletrauma are the three most used clinical programs of the Integrated Telemedicine and e-Health Program of the Republic of Cape Verde. Thanks to the modern telemedicine carts and excellent connectivity the Cabo Verdean doctors prefer real-time interaction rather than store-and-forward telemedicine, even in traditionally SAF disciplines such as teledermatology and teleradiology. Clinical telemedicine represents one of the most successful components of the program.

“Telemedicine has played a key role in expanding health care access in many developing countries and remote areas around the world and its potential for Cape Verde is enormous. IVeH remains fully committed to assist and support our Cabo Verdean counterparts towards accomplishing this goal” – said recently Prof. Rifat Latifi, the ITeHP-CV Project Director and IVeH President. Dr. Vanda Azevedo, the clinical chair of the ITeHP-CV program expressed her enthusiasm of the progress of the clinical component of the ITeHP-CV. “Ten clinical programs in six months was something hard to predict and believe when we started the program last year” – Dr. Azevedo said.

The ITeHP-CV is financed by the Republic of Slovenia and implemented by International Virtual e-Hospital Foundation through ITF Enhancing Human Security.