This is a framework for analysis to inform the development of eHealth in developing countries. It was developed in the context of work for the programme, now closed, Developing eHealth Connections in Kenya. The framework has five components - the 5Cs.

The "5Cs" are:

• Context
  "The nature of the existing [information and communication technology] ICT infrastructures in developing countries will of course vary, but it forms an important part of the context for developing an eHealth infrastructure. To what extent, for example, should eGovernment strategies focus on delivering content to rural communities rather than on making back-end applications more efficient for those who already have Internet access?..."
• Content
  "The...issue...is how to get current knowledge to the health worker in the field in an appropriate format to support them when necessary...."
• Connectivity
  "Most hospitals in developing countries do not have computers or networks. They may be well positioned for beginning the process of ICT development by introducing [wireless internet] WiFi-based [Hand Held Computers] HHCs, such as [personal digital assistants] PDAs, tablets and portable [personal computers] PCs...."
• Capacity
  "Many Developing Countries suffer from health worker migration as doctors and nurses head to richer countries such as the [United Kingdom] UK, [United States] US and Canada. Hence, there is an urgent need to improve the skills of existing staff on a fast pace, at low cost and as close to their place of work as possible...."
• Community
  "Disseminating knowledge from the many projects that have been run by Government, NGOs etc. so that the lessons learnt are widely available to all communities is hampered by poor communications.... Community-based health workers must be empowered within every community to deliver good quality advice about health care. This empowerment may come from their use of a (community-supported) HHC with wireless connectivity and access thereby to national and international sources on good practice. The central proposition is that it is only when there is synergy between the eHealth aspects of these components that the full benefits of investing in eHealth can be realised."

Click here to download the paper from which this model is excerpted.

Average:

4.6

Average: 4.6 (5 votes)

Your rating: Select ratingCancel ratingPoorOkayGoodGreatAwesome

Your rating: None

World Health Organization (WHO) Mozambique eNews, February 15-16 2006, and "eHealth: A Model for Developing Countries" by Dr. Peter Drury, Developing eHealth Connections in Kenya Programme Manager, accessed on February 23 2009.