Radiology as a part of a comprehensive telemedicine and eHealth network in Northern Finland.
Oulu University Hospital is the northernmost tertiary hospital in Finland and its responsibility area is the largest in the country, covering nearly half of the Finnish territory, also including the arctic regions. Because of vast distances and a sparse population, Oulu has been a forerunner in developing telemedicine and eHealth services in the country. The development started in 1990 and has resulted in the establishment of teleradiology and televideoconferencing services, distance education and a multimedia medical record with remote access capabilities. Wireless technology has been a special focus area, as has the development of an efficient communication between primary care and secondary care. This review highlights some of the key success elements.
Reponen
Jarmo
J
Department of Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, FinnTelemedicum, University of Oulu, Finland. jarmo.reponen@oulu.fi
D001110:Arctic Regions; D019058:Community Networks; D003191:Comprehensive Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005387:Finland; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008490:Medical Informatics; D008491:Medical Informatics Applications; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D019114:Remote Consultation; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000458:organization & administration; D019112:Teleradiology / Q000458:organization & administration*