On 02/04/98 11:06:54, [log in to unmask] (Adrian Midgley) wrote:
>In due course all the living rooms on the council estates will have
>access to the Web and e-mail via their set-top boxes.
>
>Probably a bit earlier than we get access via NHS Net,
>but eventually we will have a facility for communication.
>
>Or will we?
>Will there be a blizzard of trash, £££ schemes and teasers for
>pornographic sites descending on our patients to the point where
>they either ignore it all, or useful e-mails are lost in the crush.
>
>How should we envisage communication between patient and
>Practice?
[snip]
Lots of issues here other members commented on.
My own view hinges on the inevitable convergence and fusion of Web and
Television. The TV will be the portal, not the set top box.
If it is TV then, one would imagine the easiest way to facilitate
communications between health care providers and consumers is a local
'Health Channel'. This will be carried either by cable or satellite,
both of which have made great inroads to homes all over the country.
Among other advantages, this scenario would remove any 'technical'
competence on the part of the user. Everyone knows how to operate a TV,
only this one will be a lot more 'interactive'.
Content for the Health Channel will be customised to the local
population needs. It will come from a variety of sources, including
the population served itself. Define 'local' whichever way you want.
Any innovative programme makers or cable operators on the list? If so,
let's talk.
Further integration will, of course, involve telephony. So, in one
box, you get Web, TV and Telephony. Period.
Ahmad
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Dr Ahmad Risk
http://www.cybermedic.org
Chairman British Healthcare Internet Association <http://www.bhia.org>
Director Internet Healthcare Coalition - USA <http://www.ihc.net>
Home: +44 1273 724866/748198
Work: +44(1737)240022 Fax: +44 1737 244660
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