News Release

Breaking the barriers of distance and time

Peer-Reviewed Publication

University of Alberta

Telehealth technology turns distance and geographical barriers between healthcare professionals and their clients into dust. In a vast country such as Canada, an Edmonton doctor can consult with a colleague and patient in a remote, northern community for an ultrasound. X-rays and detailed graphical files can be downloaded for diagnosis in urban hospitals. Specialists and academics can provide instantaneous, live clinical and professional support to colleagues and students in isolated areas. Telehealth technology brings the world's best in your local doctor's office, whether in Edmonton or Edinburgh. Using high-speed ISDN lines at relatively low costs, as well as satellite technology, innumerable telehealth applications are possible.

The University of Alberta's Telehealth Technology Research Institute (TTRI) is pleased to host the world's first International Congress on Telehealth and Multimedia Technologies at the Shaw Conference Centre, Aug.16-18, 1999. The Congress will look at technology applications in the health-care industry, bringing together basic researchers, health service providers and educators, government departments and industries that research, develop and use telehealth and multimedia technologies. Sessions focus on four themes: distance, technologies, professions, and standards and regulations. The Congress will have continuous live demonstrations of various aspects of telehealth applications such as:

  • tele-psychiatry
  • tele-rehabilitation
  • tele-radiology
  • tele-reconstructive surgery and
  • tele-learning

Keynote speakers include His Imperial Highness Prince Takamado of Japan, known as the "Canadian Prince." About 700 researchers from around the world will share ideas, solutions and novel approaches to telehealth technologies. In addition, vendors and suppliers will unveil never-before-seen technologies. Sponsors include the University of Alberta, Government of Alberta (Economic Development, Health and Wellness, Innovation and Science), Capital Health Authority, City of Edmonton, IBM, International Society for Telemedicine, Mitsubishi Electronics, Sony Corp., Telus, Western Economic Diversification and Air Canada.

For more details, view: www.telehealthcongress.com

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For more information, please contact: Masako Miyazaki, director, TTRI and Congress General, (780) 492-9127 For media registration, please contact: Roger Armstrong, Public Affairs, (780) 492-3808 Lucianna Ciccocioppo, Public Affairs, (780) 492-0439


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