Telehealth and communication technologies in health: summary and action plan.
BACKGROUND
Rapid innovations and improvements in communication technologies have opened many new channels for health education and delivery, as well as disaster management. Theme 2 examined the role and applicability of these technologies to Disaster Medicine and Management and the various issues involved in their use.


METHODS
Details of the methods used are provided in the introductory paper. The chairs moderated all presentations and produced a summary that was presented to an assembly of all of the delegates. The chairs then presided over a workshop that resulted in the generation of a set Action Plans that then were reported to the collective group of all delegates.


RESULTS
Main points developed during the presentations and discussion included harnessing convergence, seeking interoperability, building partnerships and making it appropriate. This group identified four Principles of Action underlying its plan: (1) investigate possibilities, (2) identify stakeholders, (3) invite participation, and (4) involve discussants in activities.


CONCLUSIONS
Action plans were categorized into three areas that included "thinking globally, acting regionally", forming a telehealth advisory group, and increasing corporate partnerships.


CONCLUSIONS
Technology is opening many opportunities that have applications in disaster management. To optimize benefits, goals and standards must be agreed upon and implemented.
Braham
S
S
Telematics Research Laboratory, and PolyLAB, Centre for Policy Research on Science and Technology, and, School of Communication, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
Brownsword
P
P
Delooz
H
H
Flanagan
J
J
Jorgenson
D
D
Landers
R E
RE
Mathew
D
D
McLeod
D
D
Miller
G
G
Nadeau
R
R
Rasmussen
E
E
Rudyanto
B
B
Schouton
J
J
Wang
L M
LM
Woodworth
B
B
D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004631:Emergency Medical Service Communication Systems / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017144:Focus Groups; D014943:Global Health; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education; D006285:Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D020380:Needs Assessment; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical; D013685:Telecommunications / Q000458:organization & administration*