News

April 16, 2020

ISfTeH COVID-19 information and resources

ISfTeH members and partners share their information, experiences, solutions and resources in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
This page will continuously be updated as new information becomes available.

Also check upcoming and past webinars and talks here.

SATMED: enabling multi-level response to the COVID-19 pandemic with eHealth platform solutions. See here.
AMD Global Telemedicine: rapidly deploy telehealth solutions for COVID-19. See here.
EMERGO by UL: COVID-19 regulatory news and analysis for medical device and IVD companies is provided by EMERGO by UL on this page. The modern healthcare system faces a global public health crisis. Critical care devices and personal protective equipment are scarce, and new technologies are urgently needed to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare providers, regulators, and device companies around the world must work together to mobilize supply, diagnostic, and treatment solutions as soon as possible.
Lean Health: Hospital at Home remote tracking: Lean Health, in collaboration with Vodafone IoT is implementing at home monitoring to assist coronavirus patients at home in Portugal. Each patient receives a "H@H" kit including a HUB (that links up all devices), tablet (to allow patients and care teams to establish connections and get the vital measurements done), sphygmomanometer, oximeter, glucometer, thermometer, weight scale, emergency response system/button. Video call will be enabled soon as well. Currently, 10 kits have already been provided to 2 institutions. For more info: lean@leanhealth.education.
American TelePhysicians, has a telemedicine/online clinic platform, SmartClinix, which is being used by various hospitals and clinics in the US but also by large healthcare organizations both in the US and abroad. American TelePhysicians have recently partnered with Aids HealthCare Foundation to make their US based clinics go online. They are also providing their SmartClinix solutions to many charity clinics free of cost during this Covid-19 pandemic. If you or your organization is a charity clinic or similar organization and are in need of telemedicine/online clinic solutions, American Telephysicians are willing to see what they can do and also offer you their platform free of cost. Contact American TelePhysicians via www.americantelephysicians.com/#partner.
Malcolm Fisk: Telehealth becomes vital in tackling Covid-19. Watch this video interview here.
Article by Prof. K. Ganapathy (Apollo Telehealth, India), published in the Times of India on "How telemedicine can help India fight coronavirus better. Virtual consultations, treatments emerge as safer alternatives in tackling Covid-19." See full article at http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/74691367.cms.
Tech4Life Enterprises: enhancing health system’s response to COVID-19 through telemedicine: Tech4Life provides state of the art telemedicine solution (MDConsults) and digital health devices, like Sojro Telemedicine kits and eSteth Lite Digital Stethoscope to provide affordable solution to COVID-19 spread. Telemedicine response can be implemented in three ways: [1] Community-based Screening and Education by sending Messages to people and also provide educational material and Self-screening tools through MDConsults mobile application. [2] Screening facilities at the Primary Health Clinics in the community for anyone who presents with symptoms and the community members. This service enables early diagnosis and avoids more patients coming to the hospitals. [3] Online Triage of patients who reach the hospital directly to ensure that patient’s do not unnecessarily come in contact with the doctors and other hospital staff.
The ISfTeH Open Source Working Group reports on a the Open Source Ventilator project: https://opensourceventilator.ie.
Another resource from the ISfTeH Open Source Working Group: COVID-19 screening interface. See here.
The ISfTeH Working Group on Women (WoW) and the WeObeservatory provide a lot of useful references and information on COVID-19 here, including EpidemiXs Wep App (developed in collaboration with Universal Doctor), centralizing official and validated information on COVID-19 for healthcare workers and general public in a single hub. EpidemiXs COVID webinars are also organised every Sunday: see https://academy.ikoustudio.com/live (past editions are still available).
21stMD.com provides resources on COVID-19 and the African American and Caribbean American population here.
Titus SDR offers a solution for digital radio broadcasting enabling transmission of images and video clips across 1000+ kilometers. Information (sound, images, data) can be distributed on a global scale via land-based radio stations. The Titus II unit developed by Titus SDR is the world's most advanced digital software-defined visual radio unit capable of receiving over-the-air digital multimedia data (sound, text/data, images, video clips) in the low to very high conventional radio frequencies range (100KHz to 150 MHz) over long distances (1000+ Km). Land-based broadcasting stations are exclusively used (no satellites, cell phone, internet, TV). The Titus unit is an ICT advanced product enabling the broadcast across-the-world of diversified contents (*) in multiple languages over very vast areas (million+ square kilometers) where communication infrastructures are poorly/not developed or simply unaffordable. For example, most of the West Africa population can receive freely sound, images and videos on a solar-powered TV connected to a Titus receiver as groups in a class room-like environment or individually on a Titus unit. Titus-SDR is in position of delivering promptly a comprehensive transmitter-receivers package for the broadcast of NGO-chosen eHealth programs over selected vast geographical areas. In the current coronavirus pandemic, this solution can provide critical health information and advice to people in underserved and remote areas. More info via pbenci@titus-sdr.com.
International SOS provides excellent global data and information on COVID-19: https://pandemic.internationalsos.com/2019-ncov.
The Centre for Online Health at the University of Queensland (Australia) provides telehealth quick guides at https://coh.centre.uq.edu.au/quick-guides-telehealth.
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) provides useful information and resources at https://thl.fi/en/web/infectious-diseases/what-s-new/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-updates.
Wolters Kluwer is making a number of updates and resources available - at no charge - for clinicians, nurses and medical researchers, in response to new developments, evidence and guidance. See http://healthclarity.wolterskluwer.com/coronavirus-resources.html.
eConsultation is increasingly used in response to Covid-19 challenges. In Estonia, eConsultation gives primary care doctors an opportunity to consult with a specialist in diagnosing and treatment process since 2013. Requirements for eConsultation with 21 specialists (started with two specialists in 2013) have been agreed between family doctors and specialist's organisations – objectives and structure of the request, reply options and obligations. Specialists can confirm the diagnosis and treatment, request for additional information/tests or propose an appointment for the patient in the hospital. The patient sees the consultation process in the patient portal. In 2019 there were 27491 consultations by 1060 family doctors. Both GPs and specialists have to agree on terminology, content and format. Access to databanks – picture bank that includes ECG guarantees quality of the consultation. Also, it allows specialists to identify these patients who urgently need a specialist appointment. Access to patient digital health record allows specialist consulting with medical history and previous tests and medication. For more info, contact Terje Peetso of the North Estonia Medical Centre.
The Evidence Base for Telehealth: Reassurance in the Face of Rapid Expansion During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A White Paper Commentary on an AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) Evidence Report. AHRQ previously published two evidence reviews on telehealth: Telehealth for Acute and Chronic Care Consultations and Telehealth: Mapping the Evidence for Patient Outcomes From Systematic Reviews. This white paper commentary is intended to help contextualize findings from these two reports to help decision makers easily understand the relevance to current decisions.
Notes from UNHCR consultation with NGOs on working with WHO in COVID-19 response (May 2020).

Past and upcoming webinars and talks:

A YouTube presentation by Dr. Ganapathy on “Deployment of Telehealth in Management of COVID -19”
March 19, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASuI-yFhQno&feature=youtu.be
Medical Device Regulatory Market Access in Times of a National Emergency
Hosted by the University of Illinois, this special webinar was developed to explain what non-medical manufacturers need to know to help alleviate supply shortages of critically needed medical devices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Featuring experts from both Emergo by UL and UL LLC, this session addresses a timely issue and will be of interest far beyond the medical device industry.
March 31, 2020
https://www.emergobyul.com/resources/medical-device-regulatory-market-access-times-national-emergency
Webinar given by Dr. Ganapathy on “Demystifying - Telemedicine Guidelines”
presented by CHiME India
April 2, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgncNH5qxQo&feature=youtu.be
Webinar given by Dr. Ganapathy on “Telemedicine Practice Guidelines & deployment of Telehealth in the management of COVID-19”
presented by Medvarsity
April 9, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdDgICV36gE&feature=youtu.be
Talk on Hybiz TV on “Healthcare through Telemedicine” by Dr. Ganapathy
April 10, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt3cBoxknGg&feature=youtu.be
Dr. Ganapathy panelist in the webinar on “How Telemedicine is being used on the Frontline of the Coronavirus Crisis”
presented by eHealth Magazine
April 10, 2020
https://youtu.be/XP5gJj0TUoQ
Webinar given by Dr. Ganapathy on “Demystifying Telemedicine Guidelines & Role of Telehealth in the Management of COVID 19 with Special Reference to Obstetricians and Gynecologists”
presented by TSI & ATHS
April 17, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYNgShSvpkg&feature=youtu.be
Telemedicine and eHealth Solutions and Support
presented by the Finnish Society of Telemedicine and eHealth (FSTeH)
April 21, 2020

Focus of this webinar is on Telemedicine & eHealth Solutions and Support during this covid-19 period but also beyond this exceptional period of time. Additionally, light will be shed on conference topics of the FSTeH annual conference which was due to take place on this date, but which is now scheduled for end September 2020.
More information: www.telemedicine.fi/fi/tapahtumakalenterit/527-stehs2020-invitation-to-join-our-webinar-stehs-2020-pre-conference-on-tueday-21st-april-2020
EpidemiXs Coronavirus Weblive
presented by UniversalDoctor and partners
April 21, 2020

The Women Observatory for eHealth of the Millennia2025 Foundation is participating in this EpidemiXs Coronavirus Weblive organised by UniversalDoctor. A presentation of the Webapp EpidemiXs Vulnérabilités will be given by ISfTeH member Véronique Thouvenot, Chair of the ISfTeH Working Group on Women - WoW.
View this and previous EpidemiXs Coronavirus Weblives at: https://www.epidemixs.org/epidemixs-tv-live
Regulatory and Data Requirements around Telehealth During and Post Pandemic
presented by MENA Telehealth
April 22, 2020

This webinar highlights challenges pertaining to establishing telehealth legal and business models post emergency situations. The webinar aims at establishing a platform to exchange telehealth experiences and best practices among healthcare ecosystem stakeholders from different countries and regions.
More information: www.menatelehealth.com/regulatory-and-data-requirements-around-telehealth
Access recorded webinar at: www.menatelehealth.com/recorded-videos-on-telehealth
Practical and Clinical Aspects of Telehealth for Health Professionals
presented by MENA Telehealth
April 27, 2020

The world is having to respond swiftly to the impact of Covid-19. Telehealth is rapidly being taken up to help health professionals and patients reduce the risk of exposure to the virus. While some doctors have long-term experience with using telehealth in their routine practice and conducting virtual consultations using sophisticated technology, most health professionals will have limited or no experience. Suddenly, they find themselves having to get to grips with using this technology. Health service providers and government around the world are pushing for telehealth use to enable safer patient consultations and access to patient data. But health professionals will need help and time for training in using telehealth. This webinar will provide some guidance and good practice.
More information: www.menatelehealth.com/practical-and-clinical-aspects-of-telehealth-for-health-professionals
Access recorded webinar at: www.menatelehealth.com/recorded-videos-on-telehealth
Approaching COVID19 in the Digital Era: Management and Advice from China and Brazil
presented by the ISfTeH Telecardiology Working Group
April 28, 2020

With contributions from Dr. Gao Fu, Director General, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention & Dr. Rodrigo Santos, Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases Physician, Head of Infection Control at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre and Founder of Qualis-soluções em Infectologia.
View the recorded webinar at: https://youtu.be/RlvAerkPNCs
The slides of the presentations are available at: www.telecardiologywg.isfteh.org/webinars
EpidemiXs Coronavirus Weblive
presented by UniversalDoctor and partners
April 28, 2020

The topic of this installment of the EpidemiXs Coronovirus Weblive will be "Coronavirus in France". Including contributions from Véronique Thouvenot, Chair of the ISfTeH Working Group on Women - WoW.
View this and previous EpidemiXs Coronavirus Weblives at: https://www.epidemixs.org/epidemixs-tv-live
How to Choose the Right Telehealth Platform for Your Practice?
presented by MENA Telehealth
April 29, 2020

So you are ready to add telehealth to your practice. But how to choose the righ telehealth solution? Learn what a good telehealth platform should include and what features you will need depending on your business model and healthcare practice facilities.
More information: www.menatelehealth.com/how-to-choose-the-right-telehealth-platform
Access recorded webinar at: www.menatelehealth.com/recorded-videos-on-telehealth
Practical and Clinical Considerations for Teledentistry
presented by MENA Telehealth
May 2, 2020

Teledental health is a very broad category of solutions that service patient's oral health remotely. People who do not have a dentist, lack access to a dentist or live far from a dental practice, can get help - via telephone or videoconferencing capability. Due to a pandemic, dental care is deprioritised and the provision becomes even more complex. Currently patients and dentists are looking for solutions that will provide and support dental care delivery, diagnosis, consultation, treatment and transfer of dental information and education remotely. This webinar will feature dentists who are already using and integrating telehealth consultations in their routine practice.
More informaton: www.menatelehealth.com/practical-and-clinical-considerations-for-teledentistry
Access recorded webinar at: www.menatelehealth.com/recorded-videos-on-telehealth
RUTE (Rede Universitaria de Telemedicina) SIG COVID19
May 4, 2020

Nando Campanella, from ISfTeH member SITT, gives a presentation (in Portuguese) on "Diagnóstico, monitorização e tratamento em televideoconsulta ao paciente afectado com Covid-19 totalmente isolado na casa dele em 14 municípios da Itália. Assim a atenção básica compensa a insuficiência dos hospitais."
Access the webinar via: https://conferenciaweb.rnp.br/webconf/rute-sig-covid19-br
What Consensus on the Role of New Technology and Innovation in the COVID19 Challenges and Impact?
presented in collaboration with the Moroccan Society for Telemedicine & eHealth
May 10, 2020

Log in to the webinar at: https://zoom.us/j/2162220432
Social Media's Impact on Cardiology and the COVID19 Pandemic
presented by the ISfTeH Telecardiology Working Group
May 12, 2020

Access recorded webinar at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZL81p-2cSww&feature=youtu.be
MENA Telehealth Majlis - Bahrain
presented by MENA Telehealth
May 15, 2020

More information: www.menatelehealth.com/telehealth-majlis
Access recorded webinar at: www.menatelehealth.com/recorded-videos-on-telehealth
Nurse of the Future and Telehealth Technolgies
presented by MENA Telehealth
May 18, 2020

More information: www.menatelehealth.com/telenursing
Access recorded webinar at: www.menatelehealth.com/recorded-videos-on-telehealth
Lessons Learned: Ramping Up Telehealth Services During COVID-19
presented by TTRN (Transatlantic Telehealth Research Network), UC Davic Health, CITRIS (Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society) and the Banatao Institite, ISfTeH (International Society for Telemedicine & eHealth)
May 26, 2020

Access the recorded webinar and presentations at: www.dialogue4health.org/web-forums/detail/ramping-up-telehealth-services-during-covid-19
Practical and Clinical Considerations for Teleoncology
presented by MENA Telehealth
June 3, 2020

More information: www.menatelehealth.com/practical-and-clinical-considerations-for-teleoncology
Access recorded webinar at: www.menatelehealth.com/recorded-videos-on-telehealth
Hypertension Management, Telemedicine in a Pandemic & Beyond
presented by the ISfTeH Telecardiology Working Group
June 4, 2020

Access recorded webinar at: https://youtu.be/W1nNOSeezlY
MENA Telehealth Majlis - Jordan
presented by MENA Telehealth
June 4, 2020

More information: www.menatelehealth.com/telehealth-majlis
Access recorded webinar at: www.menatelehealth.com/recorded-videos-on-telehealth
Establishing Telepharmacy Services: A Tool to Empower Pharmacists and Patients
presented by MENA Telehealth
June 10, 2020

More information: www.menatelehealth.com/telepharmacy
Access recorded webinar at: www.menatelehealth.com/recorded-videos-on-telehealth
Telemedicine Takes Center Stage During COVID-19 Pandemic - Part 2
presented by AHIMA International
June 16, 2020 - 16h00 CET (will remain available on demand)

Incl. presentations from ISfTeH Board Member Dr. Osama Elhassan (Emirates Health Informatics Society & Dubai Health Authority) and Frederic Lievens (ISfTeH Vice Executive Director).
Register at: https://my.ahima.org/store/product?id=66263
Telehealth Policy and Reimbursement Issues in the Era of COVID-19: Perspectives from the United States, Scandinavia, and France
presented by TTRN (Transatlantic Telehealth Research Network), UC Davic Health, CITRIS (Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society) and the Banatao Institite, ISfTeH (International Society for Telemedicine & eHealth), The Gary and Mary West Foundation
June 23, 2020 - 09:00 PST - 12:00 EST - 18:00 CET

Info and registration: www.dialogue4health.org/web-forums/detail/telehealth-policy-and-reimbursement-issues