Abstract 25: End User Support for Telemedicine Oncology Care in Sub Saharan Africa

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Health Information Technology has hugely improved patient healthcare with fast and simple information access and communication. Telemedicine uses telecommunications technology as a tool to deliver health care to populations with limited access to care. International Cancer Institute (ICI) number one goal is to provide end-to-end solutions for optimization of care on patients' journey in sub-Saharan Africa. Supporting the end-user clearly shows there is a lot going on “under the skin” in healthcare Information technology (IT) to bring information access to life and patients closer to the oncology experts. Methods: In 2020, ICI IT team provided end-user support in bi-weekly multidisciplinary oncology –tumour boards with specialists from Africa and the world. It also provided support in Provider-to-provider tele-consults for patients in 10 partner counties in Kenya. The IT team also provided online support to healthcare providers to access online oncology preceptorships/training and webinars in different aspects of the cancer control continuum. Result: The IT team was able to support over 80 Multidisciplinary tumor boards, ensuring a team-based care approach to delivering care. Provider-to-provider tele-oncology ensured a platform to support interprofessional care and mentorship to non-specialists in remote sites. It has also provided one on one county patient consultations and hence ensured delivery of cancer services in 10 county government clinics & 8 private health facilities. Over 300 patient consults have been completed. Online platforms have ensured healthcare provider training despite COVID 19 restrictions; ICI has successfully trained over 1000 health care providers using eLearning and online platforms. Conclusion IT support has successfully provided assistance to physicians, healthcare providers, and patients with technical & non-technical support demonstrating the potential of delivering specialized oncology consultations and improved access to information in primary care settings with limited resources. Citation Format: Lamech Sigu, Emmah Achieng, Chite Asirwa, Gloria Kitur. End User Support for Telemedicine Oncology Care in Sub Saharan Africa [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 9th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Global Cancer Research and Control: Looking Back and Charting a Path Forward; 2021 Mar 10-11. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021;30(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 25.