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I applaud your highlighting of this increasing dilemma for the world. Initially, we had hoped that with the spreading of the boundaries of information availability, the world would see improved health for all through better access to information. The modem is mightier than the sword.
But as you point out, there is evidence that, as in so many areas, we are instead seeing a widening gap between the haves and the have-nots, with some authors stating that this gap is accelerating most rapidly in the area of information technology.
Of particular concern for our group is the plight of the rural communities in developing nations. We certainly don't wish to purvey a Luddite attitude and shun the technology that can and will help these communities. But we caution the planners of such schemes and networks to fully integrate their rural communities into the process at all stages.
There are lots of examples of centrally designed and managed information processes that fail to deliver useful services to their target rural communities. Often, this is directly related to the lack of input and active participation by these communities at the design and implementation stages.
Even where there is initial success, there are more examples of rapid obsolescence or decay in service because insufficient attention has been paid to how these systems will be maintained in rural areas.
These issues are more clearly addressed in the WONCA policy document: Using Information Technology to Improve Rural Health Care. This document can be referenced at
It has just been updated in a second edition and ratified by the WONCA Executive but this second edition is not yet on the web site.
While originally drafted eight years ago, this document has withstood the test of time because it espouses sound general planning principles, rather than recommending specific technologies. We sincerely hope that those who are involved in the planning and provision of information and communications technology to rural communities will spend time with this document and use it to create a healthier system that truly addresses the needs of their rural communities.
David Topps
Chair, WONCA Rural Information Technology Exchange (WRITE)
Rural Policy Document
I applaud your highlighting of this increasing dilemma for the world. Initially, we had hoped that with the spreading of the boundaries of information availability, the world would see improved health for all through better access to information. The modem is mightier than the sword.
But as you point out, there is evidence that, as in so many areas, we are instead seeing a widening gap between the haves and the have-nots, with some authors stating that this gap is accelerating most rapidly in the area of information technology.
Of particular concern for our group is the plight of the rural communities in developing nations. We certainly don't wish to purvey a Luddite attitude and shun the technology that can and will help these communities. But we caution the planners of such schemes and networks to fully integrate their rural communities into the process at all stages.
There are lots of examples of centrally designed and managed information processes that fail to deliver useful services to their target rural communities. Often, this is directly related to the lack of input and active participation by these communities at the design and implementation stages.
Even where there is initial success, there are more examples of rapid obsolescence or decay in service because insufficient attention has been paid to how these systems will be maintained in rural areas.
These issues are more clearly addressed in the WONCA policy document: Using Information Technology to Improve Rural Health Care. This document can be referenced at
http://www.globalfamilydoctor.com/aboutWonca/working_groups/write/itpoli...
It has just been updated in a second edition and ratified by the WONCA Executive but this second edition is not yet on the web site.
While originally drafted eight years ago, this document has withstood the test of time because it espouses sound general planning principles, rather than recommending specific technologies. We sincerely hope that those who are involved in the planning and provision of information and communications technology to rural communities will spend time with this document and use it to create a healthier system that truly addresses the needs of their rural communities.
David Topps
Chair, WONCA Rural Information Technology Exchange (WRITE)
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests