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Seminar on Tele-Health, 21st August, 2007, Islamabad - Pakistan [ Seminar Programme ] [ Presentations ]
INTRODUCTION Telehealth is the delivery of health-related services, enabled by the innovative use of technology and telecommunication for curative, preventive, administrative, educational and promotional purposes. With latest developments in image-generation and transmission, health professionals all over the globe are increasingly using Information & Communications Technologies (ICTs) for remote diagnosis, healthcare-delivery and management. In the past decade, the concept of Telehealth has developed enormously and developed countries, like Canada, have made possible to provide optimal healthcare facilities to their local communities through intensive use of Information and Communication Technologies. Now, the developing countries are also trying to take advantage of this opportunity to serve the deprived segments of their population, by providing improved access to healthcare services for people in remote locations. Although people are quickly adapting new technologies, but many stakeholders of the healthcare industry have skeptical feelings towards Telehealth, regarding its extensive use in making available healthcare services. Therefore, awareness has to be created about Telehealth in general, and the intensive use of ICTs would not substitute health professionals, rather it is going to facilitate them to enhance their service to remote areas without compromising their location. Telehealth is not only about technology and information. It is about people working together for a universal cause, i.e. the timely and appropriate access to essential healthcare and information, regardless of location. The Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) has been working in the field of Telehealth for more than five years now and has been successful in providing healthcare facilities to thousands in Northern Areas of Pakistan. Keeping in view the importance of the spheres of science and technology involved for effective provisioning of healthcare services through Telehealth, COMSATS is organizing this one day event for the advancement and adoption of information and telecommunications technologies in the delivery of healthcare services to marginalized communities in the far flung and remote areas of Pakistan. OBJECTIVES The focal objectives of the event are:
THEMATIC AREAS By using interactive technology to find healthcare solutions, Telehealth enables us to cope with the scarcity of medical professionals, improves the delivery of health services, and provides broader access to healthcare than ever before. It is necessary to become accustomed with effective technologies and procedures used in Telehealth to increase the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the Telehealth processes. The best models for Telehealth for specific geographic areas can be devised with the help of sharing experiences of Telehealth professionals. Number of key players, e.g., doctors, pharmacists, ICT organizations and government bodies, etc., are involved in providing healthcare services, therefore, social networking in the public and private sector is essential for the self-sustainable and cost-effective Telehealth projects. Through this seminar, it is expected to discuss Telehealth as a technique for delivering healthcare services. That includes topics related to the Information and Communication technologies used in the Telehealth process, e.g., types and uses of electronic medical records (EMR) for hospitals for Telehealth and to promote the use of GIS, as well as to improve administrative and communication capabilities of health records. Discussions are invited on recent development in communication systems, e.g., fiber optics, wireless technology, satellite transmission and radio paging, etc., to make it possible to devise cost-effective mechanisms, which are best suitable for Telehealth activities in a given setting. This event shall provide a platform for the Telehealth professionals to share their practices with other health professionals. It is intended to formulate the best model for Telehealth like ‘COMSATS Telehealth Project for the Northern Areas of Pakistan’ through this event. This occasion would be an opportunity for all the stakeholders in the field of healthcare and ICT, both on local and international level, to think of the ways to collaborate for the advancement of Telehealth. The thematic areas for the seminar are as follows: i. Techniques, Technologies & Procedures in Telehealth; PARTICIPATION Participants are invited from all relevant organizations, involved and interested in furthering the development and implementation of Telehealth practices, including; health professionals, social scientists, hospitals, donor agencies, development agencies, diplomats, S&T organizations, Govt. officials & Ministries and technology related organizations. There is no registration fee for the seminar. Registration would only be made online. Registration forms are made available on COMSATS’ website, URL: www.comsats.org.pk. Selected participants would be able to contribute and will be informed in advance. Also, please visit the website for latest technical programme of the Seminar. SCHEDULE 21st August, 2007 VENUE For queries and further information: Dr. Azeema Fareed |
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