- Exchange of medical personnel between the two institutions to broaden educational experiences and exposure to health care systems.
- Implement and develop inter-professional models for care of chronic diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis.
Manipal Health Systems and Kentucky Children’s Hospital, University of Kentucky today signed a Memorandum of Understanding which complements their mutual goal to establish centres of excellence in areas of clinical care, medical education and research. The objectives of this collaborative are to develop inter- professional approach to health care delivery and implement and develop inter-professional models for care of chronic diseases. This MOU also facilitates exchange of medical personnel between the two organizations to broaden educational experiences and exposure to health care systems.
The University of Kentucky (UK), the UK department of Pediatrics, the Kentucky Children’s Hospital and the Kentucky Telecare telemedicine program look forward to expanding our relationship with Manipal Health systems as we share resources for the betterment of the citizens of Kentucky and India, said, Timothy Bricker, MD, MBA is chairman, Department of Pediatrics and head of the Kentucky Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Nagendra Swamy, COO and Group Medical Director of the Manipal Hospital in Bangalore informed that this relationship between two institutions will add immense value to the doctors, staff and patients mutually. Challenging cases will be discussed during periodic teleconferences.
The responsible parties to this memorandum will be the Department of Paediatrics, Kentucky Children’s Hospital, University of Kentucky and various entities under the purview of the Manipal Health Systems. Either part to the agreement may choose other collaborative partners based upon mutual agreement. This agreement will also include collaborative units and institutions within and outside the University of Kentucky (e.g. College of Nursing, Public health, Centres for Rural Health Excellence).
The department of Paediatrics recognises this venture will also promote diversity awareness by acting as a vehicle for socio-cultural exchange, increase international or global presence and ‘footprint’ of both partners in line with the stated objective of the University of Kentucky to promote international collaboration.
One of the main initiatives which will commence post the signing of this agreement is Paediatric Case Conference via Videoconference Technology. Programs will begin at 5:30 pm (IST) between faculty, house staff and medical students of Manipal Health and Kentucky Children’s Hospital. Cases may be presented from either facility to a pre-determined group of clinical experts that will review the case. The format will involve case based problem oriented consults, interactive teaching case sessions, emergent consults as needed, formal teaching grand rounds and radiology images. Interactive videoconference connectivity is required at both facilities. E-mail discussions will determine what programs are of interest to each organisation and whether medical specialists are available and willing to participate. Specific cases or topic requests may be submitted by either organisation. Topics and presenters will be determined and a schedule of future conferences will be distributed to generate interest from participants. Research articles and relevant materials will be distributed in advance to all participants. Each program will be digitally recorded on the University of Kentucky video content server and archived for the benefit of those who are unable to participate. These will be accessible for up to 6 weeks.
The second initiative aims the establishment of a centre for diagnosis and management of Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) in India is probably more common than previously diagnosed which may be due to lack of diagnostic facilities and recognition of the problem. This initiative will include the setting up of a sweat chloride testing facility, train physicians, respiratory therapists, nutritionists, nursing and other health professionals in multi disciplinary approach to CF management. The care module coluld later extend towards children with bronchiectasis due to non-CF edulogy. This activity will require raising funds via a non profit organisation for establishing resources such as making therapy (e.g.enzyme preparations) available to those who cannot afford long term therapy, for faculty exchange program and for research projects.
The agreement is also a pathway for Tropical Paediatrics Rotation for paediatric residents. This is a 4 week resident rotation in the hospital facility in-patient, ambulatory patient care to include community out reach clinics. Practice of medicine is increasingly global in its impact and the necessity to be aware of health conditions that affect children in other parts of the world. The region of India served by Manipal Health System is typical of prevalent medical diagnosis in a tropical region comprising of both rural and urban population. This is also an opportunity to become aware of socio-economic and cultural aspects of practice of medicine and how these determine the type and quality of healthcare. There will be designated pediatric faculty at either site to supervise rotation. This initiative entails drawing up a core curriculum, obekectives of rotation, arranging accommodation for visiting trainees and necessary documentation.
About Manipal Hospital
The flagship of Manipal Health Systems is Bangalore’s Manipal Hospital that comprises specialized institutes like Manipal Heart Institute (MHI), Manipal Institute for Neurological Disorders (MIND), Manipal Institute of Nephrology and Urology (MINU), Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Centre (MCCC), Manipal International Institute of Dental Science (MIIDS), Manipal Institute of Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (MIDEM), Manipal Andrology and Reproductive Service (MARS) and Manipal Hospital Diagnostics Services (MHDS) amongst its 55 clinical departments. The hospital has been declared winner of the prestigious Golden Peacock National Quality Award 2005 in the service category. Manipal Hospital, Bangalore is India’s first hospital to be ISO 9001:2000 certified for Clinical, Nursing, Diagnostics and Allied Areas. Manipal Hospital has been repeatedly ranked amongst the ten best hospitals in India.