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WWW creates new interactive 3D graphics and collaborative environments for medical research and education.

Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) is the start of a new era for medicine and the World Wide Web (WWW). Scientists can use VRML across the Internet to explore new three-dimensional (3D) worlds, share concepts and collaborate together in a virtual environment. VRML enables the generation of virtual environments through the use of geometric, spatial and colour data structures to represent 3D objects and scenes. In medicine, researchers often want to interact with scientific data, which in several instances may also be dynamic (e.g. MRI data). This data is often very large and is difficult to visualise. A 3D graphical representation can make the information contained in such large data sets more understandable and easier to interpret. Fast networks and satellites can reliably transfer large data sets from computer to computer. This has led to the adoption of remote tale-working in many applications including medical applications. Radiology experts, for example, can view and inspect in near real-time a 3D data set acquired from a patient who is in another part of the world. Such technology is destined to improve the quality of life for many people. This paper introduces VRML (including some technical details) and discusses the advantages of VRML in application developing.

Computer Communication Networks↗

Overcoming the barriers: national to European to G7.

An information revolution is underway which will have an impact on all sectors of society. It will fundamentally change national and international health systems. The global Internet is a key influence and will change the balance of power within and between healthcare professions, and between them and the general public. This revolution offers enormous potential benefits to global health but there is also potential for harm. There are a wide range of barriers to realising the potential benefits. They lie in areas such as the protection of personal information; ownership and legal accountability; data meanings: structures and database navigation; deficiencies in the global Internet and lack of access by many communities. This paper considers the nature of those barriers. In 1994, the Group of Seven Nations launched an initiative to stimulate a global information society. Theme 8 deals with healthcare and therein Sub-project 5 'Enabling Mechanisms', which the author leads, is seeking to identify barriers and the authoritative international sources of advise and good practice. It is conducting an international survey, the results of which should be published by the end of 1997. This paper describes the aims of this Sub-project.

Computer Communication Networks↗

The decision support system for telemedicine based on multiple expertise.

This paper discusses the application of artificial intelligence in telemedicine and some of our research results in this area. The main goal of our research is to develop methods and systems to collect, analyse, distribute and use medical diagnostics knowledge from multiple knowledge sources and areas of expertise. Use of modern communication tools enable a physician to collect and analyse information obtained from experts worldwide with the help of a decision support medical system. In this paper we discuss a multilevel representation and processing of medical data using a system which evaluates and exploits knowledge about the behaviour of statistical diagnostics methods. The presented technique is able to acquire semantically-essential information from the complex dynamics of quasi-periodical medical signals by applying recursively-ordinary statistical tools. A method and an algorithm are elaborated to select automatically the most appropriate diagnostics method for each case under consideration. We suggest the use of a voting-type technique to search for consensus among the different opinions of medical experts. Research results can be applied in the development of a telediagnostics expert medical system and medical teleconsulting support system.

Algorithms↗

Protocol-based reasoning in diabetic patient management.

We propose a system for teleconsultation in Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) management, accessible through the use of the net. The system is able to collect monitoring data, to analyze them through a set of tools, and to suggest a therapy adjustment in order to tackle the identified metabolic problems and to fit the patient's needs. The therapy revision has been implemented through the Episodic Skeletal Planning Methodi, it generates an advice and employs it to modify the current therapeutic protocol, presenting to the physician a set of feasible solutions, among which she can choose the new one.

Adult↗

Medical emergency aid through telematics: design, implementation guidelines and analysis of user requirements for the MERMAID project.

MERMAID is an EU financed telemedicine project with global reach and 24-h, multilingual capability. It aspires to provide a model for the provision of health care services based on the electronic transmission of medical information, via ISDN based videoconferencing. This model will not be limited to medical diagnostics but it will encompass all cases where the actual delivery of health care services involves a patient who is not located where the provider is. Its implementation requires the commissioning of an expensive telecommunications infrastructure and the exploration of a number of solutions. In fact, all categories of telemedical applications (audio and video conferencing, multimedia communications, flat file and image transfer with low, medium and high bandwidth data requirements) are considered while the full range of network choices (digital land lines, cellular/wireless, satellite and broadband) are being tested in terms of cost/performance tradeoffs that are inherent to them and the developmental stage each of these options occupies in their in its life cycle. Finally, out that MERMAID utilises advanced land based line transmission technologies to aid the remote patient by making available the specialist care that is best suited in the particular case.

Computers↗

A web-based approach for electrocardiogram monitoring in the home.

A Web-based electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring service in which a longitudinal clinical record is used for management of patients, is described. The Web application is used to collect clinical data from the patient's home. A database on the server acts as a central repository where this clinical information is stored. A Web browser provides access to the patient's records and ECG data. We discuss the technologies used to automate the retrieval and storage of clinical data from a patient database, and the recording and reviewing of clinical measurement data. On the client's Web browser, ActiveX controls embedded in the Web pages provide a link between the various components including the Web server, Web page, the specialised client side ECG review and acquisition software, and the local file system. The ActiveX controls also implement FTP functions to retrieve and submit clinical data to and from the server. An intelligent software agent on the server is activated whenever new ECG data is sent from the home. The agent compares historical data with newly acquired data. Using this method, an optimum patient care strategy can be evaluated, a summarised report along with reminders and suggestions for action is sent to the doctor and patient by email.

Data Collection↗

Saving clinicians' time by delegating routine aspects of therapy to a computer: a randomized controlled trial in phobia/panic disorder.

BACKGROUND: The demand for time-consuming psychotherapy of phobia/panic exceeds the supply of trained therapists. Delegating routine therapy aspects to a computer might ease this problem. METHOD: Ninety-three out-patients with phobia or panic disorder were randomized in a 2: 2 : 1 ratio to have self-exposure therapy guided either mainly by a stand-alone computer system (FearFighter) or entirely face-to-face by a clinician, or to have mainly computer-guided self-relaxation as a placebo. Both computer groups (FearFighter and relaxation) had brief back-up advice from a clinician. Primary outcome measures were self- and blind-assessor ratings of Main Problem and Goals, and Global Phobia. RESULTS: Drop-outs occurred significantly more often in the two self-exposure groups (43% if mainly computer-guided, 24% if entirely clinician-guided) than with self-relaxation (6%); the difference between the two self-exposure groups was not significant. Even with all drop-outs included, the mainly computer-guided exposure group and the relaxation group had 73% less clinician time per patient than did the entirely clinician-guided exposure group. The two self-exposure groups had comparable improvement and satisfaction at post-treatment and at 1-month follow-up, while relaxation was ineffective. Mean improvement on the primary outcome measures (self- and assessor-rated) was 46% computer, 49% clinician, 9% relaxation at post-treatment (week 10) and 58% computer, 53% clinician and -4% relaxation at 1-month follow-up (week 14). Mean effect sizes on the primary outcome measures were 2.9 computer, 3.5 clinician and 0.5 relaxation at post-treatment; and 3.7 computer, 3.5 clinician and 0.5 relaxation at 1-month follow-up. The assessor did not rate patients at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its (non-significantly) higher dropout rate, self-exposure therapy for panic/ phobia cut clinician time per patient by 73% without losing efficacy when guided mainly by a computer rather than entirely by a clinician. The finding needs confirmation at a follow-up that is longer and includes a blind assessor. Self-relaxation had the highest rate of completers but was ineffective.

Analysis of Variance↗

Physician in-field observation of prehospital advanced life support personnel: a statewide evaluation.

STUDY HYPOTHESIS: Direct physician observation of advanced life support (ALS) personnel is rare in a demographically diverse state. STUDY POPULATION: Twenty ALS agencies from throughout Arizona. METHODS: A board-certified emergency physician performed on-site interviews with the emergency medical services (EMS) supervisor of each agency to approximate the number of days per year that physicians observe ALS personnel in the field. RESULTS: Only 11 agencies (55%) reported that physicians ever observed ALS personnel. Among all agencies, an estimated total of 84 observer-days occurred per year. The agencies staffed a total of 86 ALS units, resulting in an estimated 0.98 observer-days/unit/year (84/86). On the average, it took 3.4 ALS personnel to staff a given unit over time and the probability that an ALS provider would be on a unit on any given day was 0.29 (1/3.4). The probability of a given provider being observed during one year was approximately 0.29 (0.98 x 0.29). Thus, on the average, an ALS provider would be observed by a physician approximately once every 3.5 years (1/0.29). Among urban agencies, the "average" ALS provider would be observed once every 2.9 years. This compared to a likelihood of in-field observation of only once every 6.7 years for non-urban providers (p = .036). CONCLUSIONS: The skills of ALS providers in Arizona are observed by a physician in the field very infrequently. Although an uncommon occurrence in urban agencies, observation of non-urban ALS personnel occurs even less frequently. In addition, nearly one-half of the agencies surveyed never had a physician-observer. Although a variety of skills evaluation methods exist, it remains unclear whether any method is as useful as direct observation. Future investigations are needed to evaluate whether in-field physician observation impacts skills, patient care, or outcome in EMS systems.

Arizona↗

IP telephony--new horizon for telemedicine and e-health.

Internet Protocol (IP) based networks are increasingly being used as alternatives to the traditional circuit-switched networks for carrying voice traffic. IP telephony is taking a firm hold in the world telecommunication market for a wide range of applications including telemedicine. The merits of IP telephony for telemedicine lie in cost-savings and new applications and functionalities it may render. In this paper, we try to discuss and analyze the implications of IP telephony on the evolution and deployment of telemedicine and e-health.

Computer Communication Networks↗

A case report: implementing a nurse telecare program for treating depression in primary care.

The treatment of depression in primary care needs improvement. Previously, we reported that a nurse telecare intervention for treating depression in primary care clinics significantly improved treatment outcomes. The usefulness of nurse telecare, however, depends upon the feasibility of dissemination. In this report we describe nurse telecare and the steps required for implementation, and describe its dissemination in various settings. In addition to medication, which is managed by a primary care physician, the key elements of nurse telecare are focused behavioral activation, emotional support, patient education, promotion of treatment adherence, and monitoring of progress, delivered in ten brief telephone appointments over four months by primary care nurses. Support from key administrators and clinical champions is crucial to success. Nurses need "dedicated" scheduled time for telecare activities. Nurse telecare has been piloted and disseminated in diverse settings. The model required only small modifications for dissemination, and was implemented with minimal investment of resources and no negative impact on clinic operations.

Behavior Therapy↗

Development of an emergency medical video multiplexing transport system. Aiming at the nation wide prehospital care on ambulance.

The Emergency Medical Video Multiplexing Transport System (EMTS) is designed to support prehospital cares by delivering high quality live video streams of patients in an ambulance to emergency doctors in a remote hospital via satellite communications. The important feature is that EMTS divides a patient's live video scene into four pieces and transports the four video streams on four separate network channels. By multiplexing four video streams, EMTS is able to transport high quality videos through low data transmission rate networks such as satellite communications and cellular phone networks. In order to transport live video streams constantly, EMTS adopts Real-time Transport Protocol/Real-time Control Protocol as a network protocol and video stream data are compressed by Moving Picture Experts Group 4 format. As EMTS combines four video streams with checking video frame numbers, it uses a refresh packet that initializes server's frame numbers to synchronize the four video streams.

Ambulances↗

Development of an Emergency Medical Video Multiplexing Transport System (EMTS): aiming at the nation-wide prehospital care in ambulance.

The Emergency Medical Video Multiplexing Transport System (EMTS) is designed to support prehospital care by delivering high quality patient's live video streams in an ambulance to emergency doctors in a remote hospital on the basis of satellite communications. The feature is that EMTS divides a patient's live video scene into four pieces and transports the four video streams on four separate network channels. By multiplexing the four video streams, EMTS is able to transport high quality videos through low data transmission rate networks such as satellite communications and cellular phone networks. In order to transport live video streams constantly, EMTS adopts Real-Time Transport Protocol/Real-Time Control Protocol as a network protocol, and video stream data are compressed by Moving Picture Experts Group 4 format. As EMTS combines four video streams with checking video frame numbers, it uses a refresh packet that initializes server's frame numbers to synchronize the four video streams.

Ambulances↗

Distant collaboration in drug discovery: the LINK3D project.

The work describes the development of novel software supporting synchronous distant collaboration between scientists involved in drug discovery and development projects. The program allows to visualize and share data as well as to interact in real time using standard intranets and Internet resources. Direct visualization of 2D and 3D molecular structures is supported and original tools for facilitating remote discussion have been integrated. The software is multiplatform (MS-Windows, SGI-IRIX, Linux), allowing for a seamless integration of heterogeneous working environments. The project aims to support collaboration both within and between academic and industrial institutions. Since confidentiality is very important in some scenarios, special attention has been paid to security aspects. The article presents the research carried out to gather the requirements of collaborative software in the field of drug discovery and development and describes the features of the first fully functional prototype obtained. Real-world testing activities carried out on this prototype in order to guarantee its adequacy in diverse environments are also described and discussed.

Computer Graphics↗

Assessment of patients' acceptance of and satisfaction with teledermatology.

Teledermatology refers to the use of information and communication technologies (such as videoconferencing or transmission of digital images) to enable the practice of diagnostic dermatology between participants separated by geographic distance. The objective of this study was to critically review the quality of evidence about patient satisfaction with teledermatology applications. Sample size, reporting of validity and reliability, used instrument and its underlying constructs were determined for all studies where information was available. Fourteen studies were identified, five refer to store-and-forward applications, the remaining ones describe video-based systems. The systematic review demonstrated that methodological deficiencies in the published research impact the generalizability of findings. The two types of teledermatology (video-based and store-and-forward) require different satisfaction instruments as they are based on different contexts of care delivery, with video-mediated communication being key in the former and patients' absence from the diagnostic process in the latter mode of care delivery.

Dermatology↗

Telepsychiatry: assessment of televideo psychiatric interview reliability with present- and next-generation internet infrastructures.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the reliability of remote video psychiatric interviews conducted via the internet using narrow and broad bandwidths. METHOD: Televideo psychiatric interviews conducted with 42 in-patients with chronic schizophrenia using two bandwidths (narrow, 128 kilobits/s; broad, 2 megabits/s) were assessed in terms of agreement with face-to-face interviews in a test-retest fashion. As a control, agreement was assessed between face-to-face interviews. Psychiatric symptoms were rated using the Oxford version of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), and agreement between interviews was estimated as the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The ICC was significantly lower in the narrow bandwidth than in the broad bandwidth and the control for both positive symptoms score and total score. CONCLUSION: While reliability of televideo psychiatric interviews is insufficient using the present narrow-band internet infrastructure, the next generation of infrastructure (broad-band) may permit reliable diagnostic interviews.

Analysis of Variance↗