Re. 'cradle to grave records', I had the privelege of being at the CAR 96
(Computer Assisted Radiology) conference in Paris last weekend.
The US military gave a series of startling talks. Soem of the things they are doing
include:
*) Operation Primetime III - deployment of teleradiology in Bosnia.
Including a CT scanner in a freight container, shipped out to a MASH!
(We regularly hear of people dying in the UK for lack of access to staffed
CT scanners. These guys can deliver one from the back of a Hercules to anywhere
in the world.)
*) deployment of filmless radiography on an aircraft carrier (George Washington)
with satellite teleradiology links (also used to X-ray landing gear!)
*) a helicopter-portable life support / ICU 'pod'
*) a vital signs monitor and radio transmission unit
and the one relevant to this discussion:
*) Meditag - complete (1GB) soldier's medical records held on electronic 'dog tags'
for easy use in the field
I don't know if 1Gbyte is big enough for a 'cradle to grave record' (???).
I'm also not sure if a device rugged enough to survive battlefield use will
be tough enough for the domestic environment (washing machines can ruin anything!).
Comments on giving patients their own 'Meditags' to carry about from practice
to practice to hospital?
I think this would also answer some of the questions on privacy etc ????
Have a look at http://www.matmo.army.mil/
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