The contribution of the telemdicine programme of Kosova on e-learning and continuous medical education: the outcomes of the first decade

  • Zana Hoxha International Virtual e-Hospital Foundation, Tucson
  • Kalterina Osmani International Virtual e-Hospital Foundation, Tucson
  • Francisco Mora International Virtual e-Hospital Foundation, Tucson
  • Fatmir Hajdari Telemedicine Center of Kosova
  • Flamur Bekteshi International Virtual e-Hospital Foundation, Tucson
  • Arben Imeri Telemedicine Center of Kosova
  • Ismet Lecaj International Virtual e-Hospital Foundation, Tucson
  • Ronald C Merrell Virginia Commonwealth Univeristy
  • Rifat Latifi University of Arizona Tucson
Keywords: telemedicine, telemedicine programme of Kosova, International Virtual e-Hospital Foundation, e learning, continuous medical education, Kosova

Abstract

Introduction: To assist in rebuilding the medical system of Kosova, the International Virtual e-Hospital Foundation in collaboration with Ministry of Health of Kosova has established a robust tele-education program through Telemedicine Centre of Kosova (TCK).

Methods: A retrospective review of the results of educational activities was conducted.

Results : Since January 2003,  sixty-two universities, medical centres and health organizations from more than 20 countries around the world have broadcast over 638 educational activities with over150 lectures. The CME program, consisting of approximately 80 lectures, had over 2,800 participants. The electronic library and resource room provides services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with access to current medical literature through HINARI and other database had 64,167 visits. Overall 211,357 visits were recorded at the TCK, since its inauguration.

Conclusions: Telemedicine program of Kosova has become an important catalyst of e-learning and CME in this country. The success in Kosova has led to the development of similar programs in other developing countries and has become a model of use of technology to improve educational capacities.

Author Biography

Rifat Latifi, University of Arizona Tucson
Professor of Surgery

References

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Published
2013-12-04
How to Cite
Hoxha, Z., Osmani, K., Mora, F., Hajdari, F., Bekteshi, F., Imeri, A., Lecaj, I., Merrell, R., & Latifi, R. (2013). The contribution of the telemdicine programme of Kosova on e-learning and continuous medical education: the outcomes of the first decade. Journal of the International Society for Telemedicine and EHealth, 1(3), 93-97. Retrieved from https://journals.ukzn.ac.za/index.php/JISfTeH/article/view/50
Section
Original Research