Webinars as a Knowledge Sharing Platform for eHealth in South and Southeast Asia

Setting up fully functional national eHealth systems is a challenge. Developing eHealth capacities in Asia can be achieved through distance learning such as webinars. The Asia eHealth Information Network (AeHIN) is a community of about 900 professionals in South and Southeast Asia, convened as a peer group dedicated to strengthening local health systems through the use of information and communications technology. It organised the AeHIN Hour held twice monthly as a venue for knowledge sharing. This paper will describe and analyse the context, inputs, processes and products of the AeHIN Hour webinars implemented over 47 months. Data is analysed through review of literature and AeHIN Hour technical reports. Analysis revealed that the AeHIN Hour provides individuals with a platform to learn and establish connections with other experts and like-minded individuals who could assist them in their current health system strengthening efforts. AeHIN paves the way for countries to recognise challenges and issues they face which are important for substantiating existing technical assistance. Shared interests among stakeholders sustain the activity. Management of the AeHIN Hour should be strengthened in order to maximise its value in building capacities among country-level actors who would shape the course of health systems strengthening