1997

Telemedicine in Northwest Russia

Project description

In 1997, the Norwegian Centre of Telemedicine (NST) received its first funding from the Barents Secretariat for the project "Telemedicine in NorthWest Russia." The foundations of the project had, however, been laid as early as in 1992, when an exchange of information was begun and professional contacts established. We saw the beginning of network-building, small-scale testing of equipment and software, and communication within Arkhangelsk Oblast.

Goals

The main objective of the project was to examine and improve communication and mutual exchange of information between health care personnel in Norway and Russia and within Arkhangelsk Oblast, in order to:

• Improve access to health care for the population of outlying districts of Arkhangelsk Oblast.
• Contribute to increasing the competence of health care personnel in Arkhangelsk Oblast via improved communication between health care institutions in the oblast.
• Contribute to greater sharing of competence and knowledge between health workers in Arkhangelsk Oblast and Northern Norway.

The project focused on three main areas:

1. Establishment of a digital two-way sound and image connection between the regional hospitals in Tromsø and Arkhangelsk that could be used for distance learning, providing professional forums, planning and the like.
2. Study of various options for setting up mobile telemedicine units to be used in areas with poorly developed infrastructure.
3. Expanding and improving the still-image network used for medical consultations within Arkhangelsk Oblast.

Activities

1. Setting up and running a telemedicine network in Arkhangelsk Oblast.
2. Establishing distance learning programs for Russian and Norwegian health care personnel as a normal service.
3. Setting up a digital two-way sound and image (video conference) connection between Norway and Arkhangelsk.
4. Establishing and testing a mobile telemedicine unit in Arkhangelsk Oblast.
5. Developing a Russian version of the DORIS multimedia medical referral system and adapting it to local conditions in North-West Russia.
6. Carrying out an evaluation of the still-image network in Arkhangelsk Oblast in terms of economic consequences and user satisfaction.

In 2005, the project was selected for participation in the EU workshop "Cross-Border Activities - Good Practice for Better Health".

Contact

Svetlana M. Bye

More information about the project

Report: Telemedicine in North-West Russia, 2001 Report in Russian: Telemedicine in North-West Russia, 2001

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