Telemedicine, A Client Server Approach
The pilot project called for deployment using Unix servers. Each server would act as a WWW server handling the telemedicine application as well as third-party software products launched at various times to handle specific functions within the application, i.e. videoconferencing. Long-range plans included multiple servers dispersed among medical departments accessible from various locations through Macintosh and PC clients. A physician would be able to access the telemedicine consultation record for their patients from their office computer.
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Two communication techniques would be deployed simultaneously: synchronous and asynchronous communications. Synchronous communication uses interactive videoconferencing, while asynchronous communication uses a store-and-forward procedure to electronically transport the telemedicine computerized patient record between the primary and consulting physicians. Many other telemedicine systems being utilized today include only synchronous communications capabilities in the form of videoconferencing.
The asynchronous portion of the telemedicine system would allow a primary care physician to create an electronic consultation record for a patient which may be electronically transfered to a specialist of his choice. The consultation record may contain data such as demographics, observed conditions, patient history and test results gathered so far. The consulting specialist could then add requests for additional tests to be performed, impressions or additional information and electronically transfer the record back to the primary care physician. The transfer of the consultation record back and forth could continue unil the primary care physician determines that the consult is complete.
The University of Toledo Telemedicine network would have the potential to unite the participating institutions and health care providers by providing tools that improve communications through the use of interactive videoconferencing, asynchronous consultations, access to the Interneet and electronic mail. Our approach has the ability to provide cost-effective patient care and support the health education mission of UT.
Reference to full paper: Vaughan, BJ Torok, KE, Kelly, LM, Ewing, DJ, Andrews, LT, "A Client/Server Approach to Telemedicine," Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association 19th Annual Symposium on computer Applications in Medical Care Proceedings, New Orleans, October 28 - November 1, 1995, pgs. 776 - 780.
