The importance of distributed broadband networks to academic biomedical research and education programs.
OBJECTIVE
This article highlights the importance of distributed broadband networks as part of the core infrastructure necessary to deliver academic research and education programs.


METHODS
The authors review recent developments in the field and present the University of California, Davis, environment as a case study of a future virtual regional academic medical center.


RESULTS
Achieving the potential benefits of distributed broadband networks through regional health information organizations will involve considerable collaboration between different academic groups and the development and implementation of standardized technological and business approaches.


CONCLUSIONS
Broadband technologies offer a substantial opportunity to improve the way academic education and research programs are delivered.
Yellowlees
Peter M
PM
University of California, Davis, Sacramento 95817, USA. pmyellowlees@ucdavis.edu
Hogarth
Michael
M
Hilty
Donald M
DM
D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D003219:Confidentiality; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D004493:Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000193:education*; D013685:Telecommunications