Lucille is an experienced ICT individual with a passion for using technology to solve real life problems. She holds a bachelors of science degree in Computer Science from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and certifications in CCNA. She has assisted in the development of an events registration and management system, currently in use across East Africa in the event industry, managing international projects. She is result-oriented and enjoys a good challenge.
Project Summary
Project Title: Telepsychiatry for the Treatment of Depressive Disorders in Kenya
Research Supervisor: Prof. Peter Waiganjo Wagacha
Abstract: Majority of the patients suffering from mental disorders do not have access to efficient and quality healthcare due to limited resources. With less than 100 psychiatrists in Kenya, 75-85% of the population does not receive the mental healthcare they need. Scenarios where access to mental healthcare is limited or non-existent can aggravate mental issues further but this can be overcome with the use of telepsychiatry which has the potential to provide a platform for effective interaction between a client and healthcare provider. A review and analysis of existing models was utilized to develop a telepsychiatry system design model which was validated through the design, development, test and evaluation of a telepsychiatry prototype. For the evaluation, mental health experts used the system and later filled a post-hoc questionnaire. Research results established that limited access and financial restrains were found to be the major hindrances to accessing mental healthcare in Kenya and the prototype system provides a platform where a psychiatrist is able to remotely consult through chat and integrated video with the client, carry out standard assessment tests and take down personal notes. It also allows for easy storage and retrieval of client files particularly for monitoring purposes and the psychiatrists expressed willingness to take up the system if it is availed. In conclusion, the importance of such a platform in avoiding interruption of mental healthcare provision is timely especially in situations where people have restricted movement such as during the covid-19 pandemic.