UVA Health joining international telehealth alliance

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - UVA Health wants to make it is easier for doctors and patients in under-served countries to get medical care.

UVA is teaming up with the Swinfen Charitable Trust, the longest-standing international telemedicine charity. It provides support in 93 different countries with nearly 500 consultation specialists.

“Our mission is to improve health and education,” UVA Center for Telehealth Director Doctor Karen Rheuban said Thursday, January 18.

Dr. Rheuban says this partnership will allow them to do just that.

“We have an extensive telemedicine program across the Commonwealth of Virginia and we’re privileged to be able to provide that support to providers and patients in the developing world, as well,” the director said.

Following the passing of the Swinfen Charitable Trust’s founders, the UK-based nonprofit is looking to move the USA.

“Our role is going to be to continue to provide the physicians and nurses who do consultations, support the development of education, test out the cybersecurity changes in the new platform and the updated platform, and any other needs could collaboratively apply for grants as appropriate,” Dr. Rheuban said.

Swinfen Charitable Trust will also need to create a new US-based program for patients, which UVA says it will help with.

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• Survey shows more patients using telehealth
• UVA Health seeks to improve telehealth services
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• Rep. Spanberger: $388K grant to help UVA Health strengthen telehealth services
• Telehealth use increased during pandemic, may be here to stay
• UVA Health receives $4.4 million to expand telehealth services
• UVA Health receives federal financial support for telehealth programs

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