Arab Health 2007 saw the Cleveland Clinic showcase the development of its virtual consultation technology.
Set up via the internet, it allows patients to be ‘seen’ by specialists from their local health centre or surgery, bringing expertise into smaller facilities and eliminating the need to travel for consultations.
From a remote location, web cameras are used to allow the doctor and patient to see and talk to each other. The instant hi-speed connection allows the physician to hear and see in ‘real time’. A separate screen gives the doctor access to the patient’s medical records to view previous diagnoses and to update the information. Patient records can only be accessed through a series of passwords and the information is encrypted at the source to preserve confidentiality.
Initial set-up costs for the computer and satellite equipment run between US$35,000 and $40,000.
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