Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Telemedicine cooperation project  

Outline
The Northern Forum is cooperating with the Alaska Federal Health Care Access Network (AFHCAN) to implement a strategic and innovative solution to address health care needs of two regions in the Arctic. Together the NF and AFHCAN are facilitating cooperation in telemedicine technology expertise between Alaska, the Republic of Sakha and Khanty-Mansiisk region in Russia. The goal of the project is to promote the establishment of a mutually beneficial collaboration in telemedicine, telehealth, mobile medicine and distance learning in remote areas of the Russian north. Phases I and II of this pilot project have been successfully completed in 2004. Phase I. Initial project team meeting and review of telemedicine opportunities in the North. Attendance at the International Telehealth Conference in Anchorage, Alaska, (March 2004); Phase II. Visit by Alaska telemedicine and communication specialists to rural/remote villages in Khanty-Mansiysk and Sakha Republic, Russia, to identify potential for transfer of Alaskan technology (September 2004); Phase III. Workshop with project participants: review and assess project implementation in the regions. Phase I resulted in the establishment of a working group to implement project activities and includes representatives from the Alaska Federal Health Care Access Network (AFHCAN), the Ugra Technology Institute in Khanty-Mansiisk and representatives from the Sakha Center for Medicine in the Sakha Republic. During Phase II four representatives from the Alaska Federal Health Care Access Network (AFHCAN) travelled to Khanty-Mansiisk and the Sakha Republic, where they conducted a detailed assessment of the existing health care system, clinical needs, and local telecommunications facilities. As a result of Phase II assessment results, it was determined that telemedicine technology transfer is feasible provided that there is sufficient funding to secure needed equipment. Project participants solicited funds from private foundations and their local government to assist with equipment purchase. As a result, regional governments of the pilot regions came forward with funding to support equipment purchase and installation. Khanty-Mansiysk region is currently operating 52 telemedicine stations and a boat with telemedicine equipment that goes up the river to provide basic healthcare to communities with no hospitals. Similarly, local government in the Sakha Republic is allocating 3 million USD for telemedicine equipment purchase and installation in remote areas of the region. Although there is interest in telehealth equipment from U.S. manufacturers, both regions are currently looking at Russian and European manufacturers. The working group recommended continuing the exchange of expertise in operating telemedicine equipment, including the provision of technical support, and continuing the work of this network to collaborate and assist each other in addressing telemedicine issues. Therefore, the objective of Phase III is to organize a workshop in the second half of 2009 with project participants to review and assess project implementation in the two pilot regions.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Continued exchange of expertise and technical support in telemedicine shall provide new tools for successful operation of telehealth system in the regions. It is vital that the regions continue sharing gained lessons and experience from operating the equipment. The group shall continue exchanging information regarding new tools and equipment that become available in the market over time. In the two regions telemedicine technology is creating access to sustained health care services in a number of rural communities. Over time telehealth will accelerate the sustainability of healthy communities, and increase the affordability of healthcare services in low-resource settings. It is anticipated that the two pilot regions - Sakha and Khanty-Mansiisk will serve as a model for replication in other regions of Russia. The planned workshop for Phase III will demonstrate regions’ accomplishments to date.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
This project is a joint collaboration between the NF and AFHCAN, including Alaska, the Republic of Sakha and Khanty-Mansiisk regions in Russia.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Khanty-Mansiisk and Sakha Republic are the two pilot regions. The workshop will invite participants these and other regions in Russia. In addition, telehealth equipment manufacturers will be invited to attend.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Additional funding sources are needed to fund the proposed workshop. The Northern Forum shall communicate with the pilot regions to identify workshop location.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Expanding telemedicine resource as fundamental to advancement of rural health. Telemedicine infrastructure can serve as a model for replication.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Other sources of support

Applications will be submitted to private foundations and solicitations for regional support will be conducted to secure funding for the workshop.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes - Telemedicine is an AC SWDG endorsed project and it is a joint action of the Arctic Council with the Northern Forum.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
No

The project was launched in 2004 by the Northern Forum and AFHCAN.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The Telemedicine cooperation pilot project is monitored by the members of the project working group. Each phase has been evaluated based on data and information obtained from surveys, interviews, and observations. The Northern Forum Secretariat will evaluate Phase III activities using an outcome-based approach, which will be designed around specific evaluation questions to produce data that will effectively measure project success. The evaluation will assess all measurable components of the project and include information regarding number of patients served per month, clinical needs, and feedback from physicians. Program coordinators at each site will collect data, analyze and compare the results with the predetermined benchmarks. It will be a participatory process and involve all stakeholders, including project implementers and beneficiaries. The following project components will be evaluated in order to identify weaknesses and strengths of each activity: • Training • Mobilization • Management • Service Delivery • Monitoring and Evaluation

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
During Phase III, communication between participating regions and members of the working group will be carried out during and after Phase III completion.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
It is not anticipated that substantial data will be collected. To the extent that data is collected that will be valuable for sharing, the Northern Forum will distribute and provide data access as appropriate.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Actions taken to date have been funded by participating regions and the Northern Forum. Continued work will be financed through regions and foundation grants. The Northern Forum and AFHCAN will approach foundations for funding possibilities.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
This project is a critical component of an overarching program to promote healthy lifestyles in the circumpolar Arctic. Climate change, globalization, natural resource extraction and other pressures result in changes to lifestyle and health of Arctic residents. Comprehensive steps must be take to transfer technology, train specialists in new techniques, and cooperate with all levels of partners to healthy lifestyles in the north.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Executive Director Priscilla Wohl
The Northern Forum, 716 W. 4th Ave. Suite 100


99501
USA

Tel: 907) 561-3280
Mobile: no
Fax: (907) 561-6645
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation