Title: The application of advanced information technology in medicine and health care: a European approach

Authors: J. Mantas

Addresses: University of Athens, School of Health Sciences, Department of Community Medicine, 14-16 Aristidou Street, P. Faliro, GR – 175 63 Athens, Greece

Abstract: This paper describes European Economic Community (EEC) countries| research efforts in the area of medical informatics. The research and implementation initiatives of the European Commission focus on such areas as hospital information systems (HIS), medical decision support systems, interpretation of biomedical signals and medical images, integration of knowledge based systems (KBS) with HIS, telemedicine, integrated broadband communication and standardisation. Currently, only feasibility studies have been pursued in these areas. However, in 1991 the implementation phase brought together all the efforts of both the information technology industry and research institutions in this highly important field of research and technology. This led to a greater economic cohesion and unity across European countries and users by means of efficient communication of medical records and knowledge facilitated by the establishment of standards in equipment, software and terminology. In addition, this will lead to an improvement in the quality of life. This can be achieved by improving the efficacy of diagnosis and treatment, by increasing the public|s awareness and knowledge of health care, and by broadening access to improved health services.

Keywords: medical informatics; hospital information systems; medical DSS; decision support systems; telemedicine; medical imaging; medical standardisation; healthcare; biomedical signals; knowledge based systems; KBS.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1992.025748

International Journal of Technology Management, 1992 Vol.7 No.6/7/8, pp.560 - 571

Published online: 24 May 2009 *

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