Internet could be 'good for our health' in CQ region
Published on 22 September, 2004
The internet could provide major support to regional health services thanks to new AccessGrid technology installed at Central Queensland University campuses.
The AccessGrid is ideal for live interaction between small groups located in different cities, either within Australia or overseas.
It can support research consultations, diagnosis of patients and demonstration of procedures.
Participants at various points of the grid can use a wall-size screen to access multiple video streams, multiple camera angles, multiple voice inputs, multiple data inputs (eg. electron microscope images). The technology enables participants to hear and see each other, and to share documents and images, in real time without delays.
Permanent access grid facilities are at CQU’s Rockhampton and Gladstone campuses, while access grids at Bundaberg and Mackay campuses share rooms with videoconference facilities.
Leader of CQU’s Health Informatics Research Group, Professor Evelyn Hovenga has already introduced Rockhampton Base Hospital doctors to the potential of new AccessGrid technology. Professor Hovenga is now encouraging other regional doctors and health professionals to explore the technology. She said AccessGrid could possibly limit the need for costly travel for both doctors and patients.
“The technology is a highly cost effective way of communicating across the country and world and was even used in the SARS outbreak in South Korea to make virtual consultations and diagnoses of patients,” Professor Hovenga said.
“One possibility is that the specialists, patients and medical students could use access grids which are located at many universities throughout Australia or possibly set up the same technology at the hospitals.
“The Base Hospital doctors were very excited by the technology, especially because the Access Grid allows a doctor to view a patient’s behaviour from multiple viewpoints. Some interest has also been shown from private hospitals in Brisbane with the intention for specialist care to be provided to their regional patients without the need for travel.”