Implementation of a Centralized Telepsychiatry Consult Service in a Multi-Hospital Metropolitan Health Care System: Challenges and Opportunities

Given the benefits and likely future applications, there is an urgent need to expand the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in breast, lung, and unknown primary cancers in Colombia. The objective of this review is to address the barriers limiting access to the use of NGS in Colombia, specifically for patients with breast, lung, and unknown primary cancers in the public health care system. A selected Panel of Colombian experts in NGS were provided with a series of relevant questions to address in a multiday conference. Each narrative was discussed and edited by the Panel through numerous drafts and rounds of discussion until consensus was achieved. There are limitations to the widespread adoption of innovative technology inherent to the Colombian health care system. Barriers identified to implementing NGS in Colombia include availability, accessibility, and affordability; limited infrastructure; training and awareness of health personnel; quality-control procedures; and collection of local data. Stakeholders must align to adapt the implementation of NGS to the constraints of resource-limited environments. Diagnostic algorithms were developed to guide molecular testing for lung, breast, and unknown primary cancers. Recommendations on overcoming the barriers to the widespread adoption of NGS include country-specific molecular testing guidelines, creating a national genetic registry, improving infrastructure, and creating health policy that favors the adoption of innovative technology.

Download Full-text

Role of Comparative Effectiveness Research in Cancer Funding Decisions in Ontario, Canada

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2012.42.1958 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 30 (34) ◽

pp. 4262-4266 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Jeffrey S. Hoch ◽

David C. Hodgson ◽

Craig C. Earle

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Health Care ◽

Health Care System ◽

Comparative Effectiveness Research ◽

Comparative Effectiveness ◽

The United States ◽

Effectiveness Research ◽

Expensive Drug ◽

Challenges And Opportunities ◽

Care System

Recently, the evidence-based drug funding process in Ontario, Canada, was challenged by a young mother with a breast tumor too small, based on the evidence that existed at the time, to qualify for an expensive drug. In reality, this is only the latest in a number of challenges the publicly funded health care system has had to deal with in the face of an evolving drug policy landscape. This article defines comparative effectiveness research (CER), considering how it is viewed differently in the United States and Canada. It also reviews the role CER now plays in the Ontario drug funding process and concludes with a review of the challenges and opportunities of using observational data to conduct CER and incorporate it into policy making within a universal health care system. Many of the issues faced by Ontario are relevant beyond Canada, including in the United States during this period of health care reform.

Download Full-text

Integrating Traditional Healers into the Health Care System: Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Northern Ghana

Journal of Community Health ◽

10.1007/s10900-017-0398-4 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

pp. 157-163 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Eva Krah ◽

Johannes de Kruijf ◽

Luigi Ragno

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Health Care System ◽

Traditional Healers ◽

Northern Ghana ◽

Challenges And Opportunities ◽

Care System

Download Full-text

Challenges and Opportunities in the Malaysian Health Care System

Value in Health ◽

10.1016/j.jval.2014.08.499 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 17 (7) ◽

pp. A802

Author(s):

N.A. Mohd Tahir ◽

S.C. Li ◽

P. Thomas

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Health Care System ◽

Challenges And Opportunities ◽

Care System

Download Full-text

Teletinnitus Program at the VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System

Perspectives on Telepractice ◽

10.1044/teles4.1.23 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 23-29

Author(s):

Constance Hilory Tomberlin

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Patient Care ◽

Health Care System ◽

Gulf Coast ◽

New Technology ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Veterans Health ◽

Potential Benefits ◽

Care System

There are a multitude of reasons that a teletinnitus program can be beneficial, not only to the patients, but also within the hospital and audiology department. The ability to use technology for the purpose of tinnitus management allows for improved appointment access for all patients, especially those who live at a distance, has been shown to be more cost effective when the patients travel is otherwise monetarily compensated, and allows for multiple patient's to be seen in the same time slots, allowing for greater access to the clinic for the patients wishing to be seen in-house. There is also the patient's excitement in being part of a new technology-based program. The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System (GCVHCS) saw the potential benefits of incorporating a teletinnitus program and began implementation in 2013. There were a few hurdles to work through during the beginning organizational process and the initial execution of the program. Since the establishment of the Teletinnitus program, the GCVHCS has seen an enhancement in patient care, reduction in travel compensation, improvement in clinic utilization, clinic availability, the genuine excitement of the use of a new healthcare media amongst staff and patients, and overall patient satisfaction.

Download Full-text