New program in Philippines allows doctors to assess needs of amputees in rural areas via cell phones, Web applications

From the Manila Daily Bulletin in The Philippines:

Through pioneering technology, Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART) is enabling doctors to assess the readiness of indigent amputees for artificial limbs even before they visit the area. On December 3, World Disability Day, the telco signed into partnership with Physicians for Peace (PFP)-Philippines in enhancing its Walking Free Program by providing Amputee Screening via CEllphone NeTworking (ASCENT). This mobile and web application enables PFP to provide real-time evaluation and advice on prosthesis (artificial limb) use for amputees in far-flung communities. To mark the launch of ASCENT, four PFP Walking Free beneficiaries led able-bodied mountaineers in climbing Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Since 2005, the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) and PFP have served 1,494 indigent amputees through screening and prosthesis service missions. The cost of prosthesis ranges from P80,000 to P500,000, depending on the material used. Through the Walking Free Program, indigents can avail of the prosthesis fabricated by the UP-PGH Prosthesis and Orthosis Service, which only costs between P10,000 and P20,000. The partnership with SMART is set to improve the service further by providing a cheaper and efficient method of screening patients before prosthetic fitting. Prior to ASCENT, the UP-PGH prosthetic team , through the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine had to go on-site to assess the amputees' readiness for prosthesis use.

Although this process has ensured community-based prosthesis delivery, it has become economically challenging due to the rising costs of transporting casting materials and fabricated prosthesis and providing accommodations for the doctors and beneficiaries.

Moreover, amputees who are assessed as not yet ready to be measured for prosthesis suffer tremendous frustration after traveling across two rivers and a mountain to reach mission site. Through ASCENT, the prosthetic team can receive data including photos of the amputee via cell phone transmission.
They can then immediately provide feedback to the health worker's cell phone, sending data on bandaging, rehabilitation, wound care and medications to facilitate prosthesis fitting and functional recovery. ASCENT was developed by the Ateneo Java Wireless Competency Center for SMART.

SMART is also providing 33 MMS and Java-capable phones for use by rural health workers and volunteers, and P50,000 worth of load. ASCENT data is sent via SMART GPRS or 3G, which costs P10 per 30 minutes of usage. It is a cost-effective solution since the charging only starts when the information is sent.

The four PFP beneficiaries' symbolic climb not only shows how PFP has empowered them. It also marks how ASCENT can further expand the program, helping doctors reach out to more amputees through mobile communications and the Internet.
According to estimates, some one million Filipinos have lost a leg or both legs to diabetes, accidents, birth defects and cancer.

Physicians for Peace is an international non-profit organization that focuses on improving the world's healthcare systems through training and sustainable programs. By transporting medical training, skills, and compassion to areas of profound need and scarce resources, the organization works to enhance quality of life through the generosity and volunteerism of healthcare professionals.