C-TECH Transforms Healthcare Delivery in Jamaica with Innovative Telehealth Programme
C-TECH Transforms Healthcare Delivery in Jamaica with Innovative Telehealth Programme
June 19, 2023
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C-TECH Transforms Healthcare Delivery in Jamaica with Innovative Telehealth Programme

C-TECH, the Caribbean Training and Education Centre for Health, is revolutionising healthcare delivery in Jamaica through its groundbreaking telehealth training programme. This programme is offered to healthcare providers across treatment and support sites, equipping them with essential skills to effectively utilise telemedicine. Telemedicine encompasses both clinical and non-clinical remote services, focusing on providing low-resource clinical care and support. C-TECH’s telehealth concept introduces a comprehensive 3-phase implementation process, ensuring seamless integration of telemedicine across healthcare facilities.

In Phase 1, known as telephone triage, the programme aims to reduce unnecessary clinic visits and minimise time spent in clinics. Through pre-visit planning and patient communication, this phase efficiently responds to patients’ needs.

Phase 2, Teleconsults, addresses barriers to care and fragmented services caused by appointment gaps. Teleconsultations bridge these gaps, ensuring patients receive timely and comprehensive care.

Phase 3, Virtual Clinics, harnesses the potential of remote healthcare by facilitating remote diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. This innovative approach expands access to quality care, enhancing convenience for patients.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ (MOHW) HIV/STI/TB unit, C-TECH has developed a telemedicine standard operating procedure (SOP) and an eight-module training programme to support telemedicine implementation in HIV treatment sites. These resources are hosted on the Caribbean Health eLearning Portal (LMS), ensuring easy access for healthcare workers. By combining online training with face-to-face components, C-TECH is building the capacity of healthcare providers to deliver telemedicine services to patients in various capacities.

During the field-testing phase, which began in October 2021, the SOP and training modules underwent evaluation and refinement based on user feedback. The success of the field test has led to the expansion of telemedicine activities in the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) and the North Eastern Regional Health Authority (NERHA). Implementation plans also include sites in the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) and the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA).

“We have witnessed the transformative power of telehealth in revolutionising patient care, thanks to our dedicated healthcare workers,” said Patricia Hilton, C-TECH Clinical Programme Manager. “Through our telemedicine implementation, we hope to see improved access, enhanced efficiency, and increased patient satisfaction. We are proud to be at the forefront of this technological advancement and remain committed to driving positive change in healthcare delivery.”

To ensure the success and sustainability of telemedicine, C-TECH continues to provide comprehensive training to healthcare workers at established and new sites. Additionally, the Training of Trainers workshops empower officers to serve as mentors and trainers during the implementation process.

Funding for these activities has been provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) through a sub-award granted to C-TECH from the International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH) as part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

C-TECH’s telehealth implementation marks a significant milestone in revolutionising healthcare delivery in Jamaica. By leveraging the power of telemedicine, C-TECH empowers healthcare workers, enhances patient care, and eliminates barriers to quality healthcare. As C-TECH expands its telehealth initiatives, it is poised to transform healthcare delivery in Jamaica and become a beacon of innovation in the region.

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A stressful work environment can contribute to several health issues both mentally and physically, these may include headache, insomnia, stomach-aches, anxiety, difficulty concentrating high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. 

It is important then that we take meaningful steps to ensure that we are manging our own personal space to avoid some of these issues. Our assumption, perception and expectation affect how we react to others and life situations and ultimately how we view how jobs. When assumption, expectations and perceptions are not met, we respond through our thought’s feelings and behaviours. It is important to practice positive thinking as our thoughts affects how we feel, and our feelings affects how we behave.

Here are some tips to help you with your work environment:

  • Seek for clarity instead of trying to convince yourself of what others are thinking
  • Refrain from personalisation, not everything mentioned is a direct attack on you
  • Invest in self care
  • Set limits
  • Proper nutrition
  • Connect with people

We often here people expressing how stressed they are feeling or how over worked they are, not having enough time to do the things they like such as spending time with friend and families or even a few self-care activities. We have watch families suffer due to long working hours as well as our jobs due to loss of interest and enthusiasm resulting from burnout. 

When workers are balanced and happy, they are more productive, take fewer sick days, and are more likely to stay in their jobs.

Here is how you can accomplish work life balance

At work    

  • Set manageable goals each day. 
  • Be efficient with your time at work. 
  • Take five. 
  • Communicate effectively.
  • Give yourself a break. 

         At Home

  • Don’t over commit. 
  • Get support. 
  • Stay active. 
  • Treat your body right. 
  • Get help if you need it. 

Tameca Dempster-Mattocks is an accomplished Associate Counseling Psychologist and Financial Counsellor, holding an M.Sc. Degree in Counselling and Social Work from Mico University College, along with multiple certifications in mental health from the University of Washington.

 

Currently, she holds the positions of Regional Psychologist – NERHA and Mental Health Program Coordinator at the Caribbean Training & Education Center for Health (C-TECH). Tameca has successfully managed regional mental health projects, overseeing and leading impactful initiatives that positively influence the mental well-being of individuals in the region. 

 

With a passion for community service, Tameca actively contributes to various private and charitable organizations, dedicating her time as a volunteer to support community members and at-risk youth.

Contact us for mental health support services

Telephone #: 8764161449

Email: wellness@ctech-caribbean.org