Use of information technology to improve quality of healthcare: Kosova's telemedicine project and international virtual e-hospital as an example

Rifat Latifi, Shaip Muja, Flamur Bekteshi, Matthias Reinicke

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The idea to create the Telemedicine Project of Kosova and the International Virtual e-Hospital Network of Kosova, was presented at G8-Meeting, in Berlin May 4-5, 2000, by the senior author (RL) then Assistant Professor of Surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University, in Richmond, Virginia during the presentation, the 'The anatomy of war and destruction of Kosova: The alumni view on reconstruction of heath in Kosova'. Following wide spread acceptance by many countries and institutions around the world of the idea of creating a virtual e-hospital in Kosova' became a reality. To ensure the creation of a telemedicine center and realization of the project in Kosova, the Telemedicine Association of Kosova was created in Prishtina, September 30, 2000. On February 2, 2001 a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the implementation of TPK was signed between all stakeholders in health in Kosova. After extensive preparation, with the funding from the European Agency for Reconstruction, the Telemedicine Center of Kosova (TCK) was inaugurated on December 10, 2002, making way for the official beginning of the first phase of development of the TPK. This historical moment for Kosova and for the Balkan countries received extensive media coverage locally and abroad. Currently we are at the second year and phase of TPK realization. The Telemedicine Center of Kosova (TCK) is a state-of-the-art telemedicine center, the best in the Balkan and southeastern Europe. As such TCK is providing basic foundations for development of educational medical programs within the Kosova's medical system; as well it is establishing the standards of regional and international consultations and collaboration in the Balkan Peninsula. Furthermore, it is providing a solid basis for creation of human capacity that will lead and implement telemedicine program in the nine regional telemedicine centers of Kosova, for many years and decades to come.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationEstablishing Telemedicine in Developing Countries
Subtitle of host publicationFrom Inception to Implementation
PublisherIOS Press
Pages159-167
Number of pages9
ISBN (Print)1586034235, 9781586034238
DOIs
StatePublished - 2004
Event1st Intensive Balkan Telemedicine Seminar: From Inception to Implementation: The Future has Just Begun - Prishtina, Kosova, Serbia
Duration: Oct 25 2002Oct 27 2002

Publication series

NameStudies in Health Technology and Informatics
Volume104
ISSN (Print)0926-9630
ISSN (Electronic)1879-8365

Other

Other1st Intensive Balkan Telemedicine Seminar: From Inception to Implementation: The Future has Just Begun
Country/TerritorySerbia
CityPrishtina, Kosova
Period10/25/0210/27/02

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Health Informatics
  • Health Information Management

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