TOUCH - TSC, LLC, is dedicated to integrating Information and Communication Technologies; Telehealth and Health Information Exchange, designed to improve global health
International Telemedicine and eHealth: Transforming Systems of Care in the Global Community
Using advances in information and communication technologies (ICT), telemedicine and e-health are providing a means to transform systems of care for people throughout the world by providing greater access to clinical service, consultation, sharing knowledge, education and training, public and community health, health systems development, epidemiology and research.
Leap-frogging over prior barriers, rapid advances in information communication technologies (ICT), computing, and wireless networks are offering greater continuity in access to these services in both developed and developing countries. The use of telehealth must be put in the context of the critical
health needs in each country, cultural perspectives, current and future communication infrastructure, other supportive resources, and likelihood for sustainability. Furthermore, these telehealth efforts should be aimed at improving the local capacity in providing ongoing health services in each country and blend into that country’s current and future health care strategies.
In combination, these communication technologies and health-related applications constitute the concept of Telehealth. As stated by the World Health Organization (WHO), Telehealth is providing a broad spectrum of health services over distance and the integration of telecommunications systems into the practice of protecting and promoting health. Telehealth covers clinical services, education for health. In turn, telehealth is allowing an enhanced means of sharing knowledge, expertise and evidence-based best practices, eliminating many of the usual barriers associated with distance and time. Global development and integration of communication systems and networks, wireless and broad band are creating opportunities for international collaboration using Telehealth and a platform for exchange with the potential for formation of a true “network of networks” and “virtual collaboratory” that can be used world-wide. A network of this magnitude represents far more than a communication infrastructure because it facilitates partnerships and collaboration between healthcare providers and educators, public health workers, investigators, and other international organizations and stakeholders.
As the world continues to “shrink”, developing this international telehealth “network of networks” offers an opportunity for cooperation, collaboration, knowledge sharing and improving the health of every individual in the world, applying information technologies for peace and the betterment of mankind. The time is now for open and constructive dialogue designed to facilitate that coordination between key stakeholders and other international organizations. These types of international exchange experiences enhanced with telehealth offer significant opportunities for understanding the common denominators, as well as unique differences, related to global health among countries and cultures around the world. These programs can promote international understanding and mutual respect in a manner the can improve the health of the entire global community.
Dale C. Alverson, MD
CEO, TOUCH-TSC
Albuquerque, New Mexico,
USA
Using advances in information and communication technologies (ICT), telemedicine and e-health are providing a means to transform systems of care for people throughout the world by providing greater access to clinical service, consultation, sharing knowledge, education and training, public and community health, health systems development, epidemiology and research.
Leap-frogging over prior barriers, rapid advances in information communication technologies (ICT), computing, and wireless networks are offering greater continuity in access to these services in both developed and developing countries. The use of telehealth must be put in the context of the critical
health needs in each country, cultural perspectives, current and future communication infrastructure, other supportive resources, and likelihood for sustainability. Furthermore, these telehealth efforts should be aimed at improving the local capacity in providing ongoing health services in each country and blend into that country’s current and future health care strategies.
In combination, these communication technologies and health-related applications constitute the concept of Telehealth. As stated by the World Health Organization (WHO), Telehealth is providing a broad spectrum of health services over distance and the integration of telecommunications systems into the practice of protecting and promoting health. Telehealth covers clinical services, education for health. In turn, telehealth is allowing an enhanced means of sharing knowledge, expertise and evidence-based best practices, eliminating many of the usual barriers associated with distance and time. Global development and integration of communication systems and networks, wireless and broad band are creating opportunities for international collaboration using Telehealth and a platform for exchange with the potential for formation of a true “network of networks” and “virtual collaboratory” that can be used world-wide. A network of this magnitude represents far more than a communication infrastructure because it facilitates partnerships and collaboration between healthcare providers and educators, public health workers, investigators, and other international organizations and stakeholders.
As the world continues to “shrink”, developing this international telehealth “network of networks” offers an opportunity for cooperation, collaboration, knowledge sharing and improving the health of every individual in the world, applying information technologies for peace and the betterment of mankind. The time is now for open and constructive dialogue designed to facilitate that coordination between key stakeholders and other international organizations. These types of international exchange experiences enhanced with telehealth offer significant opportunities for understanding the common denominators, as well as unique differences, related to global health among countries and cultures around the world. These programs can promote international understanding and mutual respect in a manner the can improve the health of the entire global community.
Dale C. Alverson, MD
CEO, TOUCH-TSC
Albuquerque, New Mexico,
USA
