Charles Owusu Aseku has traveled across Ghana and beyond in search of care for the large growth of tissue called a keloid on his neck since 2002.
The individual, who is 46 years old, was becoming progressively more irritated following two failed operations and a journey to South Africa that resulted only in a consultation.
Aseku was getting ready for another medical journey – until late February when he became part of the initial test run of 3D telemedicine technology in Ghana, which operated via computer screens installed at the rear of a van.
The people driving this project, which was created through collaboration between Microsoft’s research division and local physicians and scientists, believe that the telemedicine service will assist in delivering necessary medical advice to patients who are either waiting for surgical procedures or have recently undergone operations. This is particularly valuable in a part of the world where the number of doctors per patient is one of the smallest globally.
The project builds on earlier trials in Scotland and now works as a portable system with enhanced lighting and camera upgrades.
Upon entering the van, cameras will create a 3D model of each patient, which is subsequently displayed on a big computer monitor. Several physicians have the ability to participate in the consultation remotely and interact with the 3D model to evaluate the patient’s condition.
“The concept of using the van is to enable it to reach distant villages lacking specialized care…to conduct pre or post-surgical consultations,” explained Spencer Fowers, who serves as the principal software developer and leads the 3D-telemedicine initiative at Microsoft Research.
Easier access to specialists
This program allows patients to seek several medical opinions as well. During Aseku’s session, physicians from Rwanda, Scotland, and Brazil participated, providing him with a sense of optimism according to his comments.
“I encounter many physicians here, and I feel quite delighted as their collective expertise might provide me with answers and potentially solve my issue,” stated Aseku.
Scientists anticipate that the trial underway at the Koforidua Regional Hospital, located in Ghana’s eastern region, might be the beginning of an extensive initiative capable of broadening the scope of this service and investigating additional applications.
In recent years, the adoption of telemedicine has been increasing, particularly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to experts, these digital solutions could be most advantageous for African patients, as there is an insufficient number of specialist doctors relative to the continent’s population of 1.4 billion individuals.
George Opoku, 68, was referred to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in the capital Accra – nearly 100 kilometres away from the Koforidua hospital, which is much closer to his home – where he had first gone to seek care for sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that develops in the bones and soft tissues.
After learning about the 3D telemedicine pilot program, his physician opted to enroll him, thereby sparing him from additional costs and the hassle of traveling long distances.
“This time around, I found myself sitting inside a van, introducing both myself and my condition to multiple doctors rather than just one. I managed to address all their queries, and I remain optimistic that they will deliberate and find a way to heal my condition,” stated Opku.
I’m feeling much better now and quite optimistic.
Obstacles to expanding the program
One major hurdle for the project is the absence of consistent internet connectivity, which is frequently encountered in isolated regions across Africa.
At the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, this technology is assisting patients who require plastic surgery. Due to an insufficient number of plastic surgeons, these individuals frequently need to see multiple physicians at each appointment.
Dr. Kwame Darko, a consulting plastic surgeon at the facility and one of the key researchers involved in this initiative, noted that 3D telemedicine has the potential to allow patients to consult with several physicians simultaneously in a single session.
The 3D technology could make a difference if replicated in Ghana and elsewhere, according to Dr Ahensan Dasebre, chief resident doctor at the National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre at Korle-Bu, who was not part of the project.
“He mentioned that we are lagging behind in having enough doctors to cater to a specific segment of the population.”
If someone finds themselves in a distant area without access to specialized services but requires them, the attending physician can utilize telemedicine to ensure they receive the highest quality of care.
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