Bob Pyke Jr wrote:
>
> [log in to unmask] wrote:
> >
> >   The following is quoted from Telecommunications Notes published by
> >   the Office of Research Services, National Institutes of Health
> >   (NIH), issue 10, January 1997:
> >
> >   TELEMEDICINE VIDEO
> >
> >   Telemedicine video applications are now becoming a reality at NIH's
> >   Clinical Center.  Two telemedicine "suites", complete with
> >   examination equipment, are under development.  In the not too
> >   distant future, doctors will be able to interview patients for
> >   possible inclusion in NIH protocols over video links, reducing the
> >   need for sick patients to travel to NIH.  Followup visits could also
> >   be reduced by video conference meetings with patients and
> >   collaborating doctors.  Telemedicine may also allow patients who are
> >   too sick or infectious to travel to become subjects of NIH research.
> >   The inclusion of "virtual" examination tools, such as a stethoscope
> >   and an otoscope, will permit doctors at remote sites to see and hear
> >   right along with the physician doing the exam.
> >
> >   The following is BOLDED:
> >   Clinical researchers and the NIH community in general are encouraged
> >   to discuss potential applications of telemedicine with the Clinical
> >   Center's Information Systems Ofrice, by contacting Audrey Kelly at
> >   (301) 594-5201 or [log in to unmask]
> >
> >   Comments:
> >
> >   Are you or your organization actively planning telemedicine or
> >   tele-technologies activities and procedures?
> >
> >   Where is the *nurse* in the above?  Is there gonna be a role for
> >   professional nurses in such a scenario?  What might nurses do with
> >   such a system?  How can nurses become involved in the planning and
> >   use of tele-technologies?  What are nursing research needs regarding
> >   tele-technologies?
> >
> >   Think about it!  The future IS *NOW*!
> >
> >   Susan M. Sparks, RN, PhD, FAAN
> >   National Library of Medicine
> >   [log in to unmask]