Details
Category: Volume 05 Issue 08 August 2017
Hits: 1670

Title: Use of Simple Information Communication Technology to Manage the Epilepsy Challenge at a Community Cottage Hospital in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria

Authors: Emmanuel Ekanem M.B.B.Ch, PGD (Clin Res.), FMCPaed., Akinwumi Fajola M.B.B.S, M.Sc, FWACPH, Rakiya Usman M.B.B.S. MSc, M.D3, Tamunoibim Anidima RN, B.Sc., Gloria Ikeagwu RN, RM

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i8.117

Abstract

Epilepsy is a worldwide problem associated with stigmatization. In Nigeria many of these patients do not access adequate care, drop out of school or employment and many die at home. To help ameliorate this problem, the Obio Cottage Hospital, a Community Cottage Hospital in the Niger Delta of Nigeria, runs a seizure clinic for these patients. In addition simple ICT based video recording of attacks by mobile phone and sending the videos to the clinic by WhatsApp application is used to reach distant patients who may otherwise not access adequate care. Three vignettes demonstrating the use of this cheap, simple-to-use and widely available ICT to successfully manage epilepsy is reported. It is concluded that this can be employed to effectively manage epilepsy as well as similar health challenges in people who would otherwise not access adequate care in developing countries. Recognition of electronic signature for prescription drugs in this kind of circumstance is recommended.

References

  1. De Boer HM, Mula M, Snader JW. The global burden and stigma of epilepsy. Epilepsy and Behaviour 2008; 12:540-546
  2. Epilepsy Fact Sheet (updated February 2016).

Available at www.whoint/mediacentre/factsheets/fs999/en

Accessed 07-09-2016.

  1. Frank-Briggs AI, Alikor EAD. Pattern of Paediatric Neurological Disorders in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Int J Biomed Scs 2011;7:145-149.
  2. Eyong KI, Anah MU, Asindi AA, Ubi IO. Nigeria secondary school teachers knowledge and attitudes towards school children with epilepsy. J PediatrNeurol 2012; 10:111-115.
  3. Asindi AA, Eyong KI. Stigma on Nigeria children living with epilepsy. J PediatrNeurol 2012; 10:105-109.
  4. Ojinnaka NC. Teachers perception of epilepsy in Nigeria: a community based study. Seizure 2000;9:259-264.
  5. Ogungbo B. Nigeria Health Journal. www. nigerianhealthjournal.com/?p=1. Accessed 09-09-2016.
  6. Sanya EO. Increasing awareness about sudden unexplained death in epilepsy – a review. Afr J Med MedSci 2005;34:323-327.
  7. Fisher RS. Cross HJ. French JA. Higurashi N. Hirsch E. Jansen FE. Et al. Operational Classification of Seizure Types by the International League Against Epilepsy. Pdf. Accessed 17-9-2016
  8. Baskind R, Birbeck GL. Epilepsy- associated stigma in sub-saharan Africa: the social landscape of a disease. Epilepsy landscape of a disease. Epilepsy Behav 2005; 7(1). 96-112
  9. Murell MJ, Stigma and epilepsy, Epilepsy and Behaviour 2002;3(6S2):21-5
  10. Gamage R, Development of a SEARO report on country needs and resources for the control of epilepsy. Epilepsia 2005; 46 Suppl 1:63.
  11. Baskind R, Birbeck G. Epilepsy care in Zambia: a study of traditional healers. Epilepsia 2005; 46(7):1121-6.
  12. Al Adari S, Al-Islmaily S, Martin R, Al-Naamani A, AI-Riyamy K, Al-MaskariMet al. Psychosocial aspects of epilepsy in Oman: attitude of health personnel. Epilepsia 2001;42(11):1476-81.
  13. Tekle-Haimanot R, Abebe M, Forsgren L, Gebre- Mariam A, Heijbel J, Holmgren G et al. Attitudes of rural people in central Ethiopia towards epilepsy. SocSci Med 1991: 32(2):203-9
  14. Telemedicine. Opportunities and developments in member states. Report on the second global survey on eHealth 2009. (Global Observatory for eHealth series-vol 2) 2010. ISBN 9789241564144.
  15. Internet World Stats. Usage and Population Statistics. www.internet worldstats.com. Accessed 20-09-2016.
  16. Craig J, Patterson J. Introduction to the practice of telemedicine. J Telemed Telecare 2005; 11(1):3-9
  17. Rao B, Lombardi A. Telemedicine: Current status in developed and developing countries. J Drug Derm 2009 April; 8(4):371-5
  18. Vassalo DJ, Swinfen P, Swinfen R, Wootton R. Experience with a low-cost telemedicine system in three developing countries. J TelemedTelecare 2001; 7 suppl 1:56-8
  19. Swinfen R, Swinfen P. Low cost telemedicine in the developing world. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare 2002; 8(suppl. 3) 53:63-5
  20. Cavazos JC, Spitz M. Seizure, epilepsy overview and classification. eMedicine neurology.mht.2009.

Corresponding Author

Ekanem E.E

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.