ACMD Survey
The Asynchronous Consultation for Movement Disorders (ACMD) program is an international telemedicine initiative sponsored by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS). The model seeks to support African physicians in their treatment of movement disorders, by providing expert consultation on case-management, and by serving as an educational tool for local providers. The program is currently only available in English.
The ACMD project has three over-arching goals:
· providing access for physicians in underserved regions of Africa to the expertise of international movement disorder specialists to improve patient care
· offering mentorship and education on the management of movement disorder cases to local providers
· serving as a proof-of-concept for the efficacy of asynchronous telemedicine in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure
Background:
· Telemedicine is well established in a small number of countries and growing as a means to improve access in many other nations.
· Real time videoconferencing has many problems including the prohibitive cost of professional videoconferencing equipment, slow internet speeds of providers, cross-time zone consultation, and the difficulty of coordinating providers’ demanding schedules.
· Using an asynchronous model in the ACMD project has facilitated the engagement of providers located in different time-zones. Participating physicians can create case reports at their convenience, eliminating scheduling difficulties. The use of this store-and-forward technology has enabled referring sites with slower internet speeds to participate in ACMD, and our partners have thus far been able to access the simple equipment required (PC and digital camera or smartphone).
Program Model:
· The process begins with the referrer videotaping the patient, completing an ACMD case report form, containing patient history, physical exam findings, and questions for the consultant.
· The form and video are uploaded onto the dedicated server, and the ACMD administrator assigns the case to the next consultant in the roster.
· The consultant then receives an email notification that a case is waiting, and will create their consult report within one week. This report may include a differential diagnosis, a list of follow-up questions for consideration, and/or an empiric plan of care. The consultant can also attach other documents, such as relevant academic literature. After receiving this report, the referrer can then ask a follow-up question, provide additional information or videos if requested, or close the case if they are satisfied with the consultation.
· We would like to expand to other sites in Africa, so that the program can reach more patients and provider.
· We have provided service to Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania and have trained physicians to use the program in Cameroon and Ghana. We are reaching out to the African Academy of Neurology to help expand the program.
The ACMD project has three over-arching goals:
· providing access for physicians in underserved regions of Africa to the expertise of international movement disorder specialists to improve patient care
· offering mentorship and education on the management of movement disorder cases to local providers
· serving as a proof-of-concept for the efficacy of asynchronous telemedicine in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure
Background:
· Telemedicine is well established in a small number of countries and growing as a means to improve access in many other nations.
· Real time videoconferencing has many problems including the prohibitive cost of professional videoconferencing equipment, slow internet speeds of providers, cross-time zone consultation, and the difficulty of coordinating providers’ demanding schedules.
· Using an asynchronous model in the ACMD project has facilitated the engagement of providers located in different time-zones. Participating physicians can create case reports at their convenience, eliminating scheduling difficulties. The use of this store-and-forward technology has enabled referring sites with slower internet speeds to participate in ACMD, and our partners have thus far been able to access the simple equipment required (PC and digital camera or smartphone).
Program Model:
· The process begins with the referrer videotaping the patient, completing an ACMD case report form, containing patient history, physical exam findings, and questions for the consultant.
· The form and video are uploaded onto the dedicated server, and the ACMD administrator assigns the case to the next consultant in the roster.
· The consultant then receives an email notification that a case is waiting, and will create their consult report within one week. This report may include a differential diagnosis, a list of follow-up questions for consideration, and/or an empiric plan of care. The consultant can also attach other documents, such as relevant academic literature. After receiving this report, the referrer can then ask a follow-up question, provide additional information or videos if requested, or close the case if they are satisfied with the consultation.
· We would like to expand to other sites in Africa, so that the program can reach more patients and provider.
· We have provided service to Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania and have trained physicians to use the program in Cameroon and Ghana. We are reaching out to the African Academy of Neurology to help expand the program.