The UK Telemedicine Information Service Jim Briggs, Keir Francis, Anita Smith University of Portsmouth, UK University of Portsmouth, UK Dick Curry, CMW Associates Bruce Madge, British Library Jim Briggs, Keir Francis, Anita Smith University of Portsmouth, UK University of Portsmouth, UK Dick Curry, CMW Associates Bruce Madge, British Library

Contents BackgroundBackground History – NDTMHistory – NDTM The BL connectionThe BL connection ImplementationImplementation Mailing listMailing list ConclusionConclusion

Background 1996: Survey of UK telemedicine activity1996: Survey of UK telemedicine activity 1997: Further survey of telecare1997: Further survey of telecare Commissioned by the Research and Development Division of the Department of HealthCommissioned by the Research and Development Division of the Department of Health

NDTM NDTM set up to disseminate and update informationNDTM set up to disseminate and update information Website funded by Dept of Health RDDWebsite funded by Dept of Health RDD Launched October 1998Launched October 1998

NDTM entries

NDTM readership

The BL connection Collaborating since May 1999Collaborating since May 1999 Telemedicine Information ServiceTelemedicine Information Service –Website –Walk/call-in service at St Pancras More information available than just projectsMore information available than just projects

The TIS website ProjectsProjects Companies: products or servicesCompanies: products or services People: practitioners or expertsPeople: practitioners or experts Resources: books, articles and websitesResources: books, articles and websites Particularly significant initiatives:Particularly significant initiatives: –NHS Direct –DERA Virtual Hospital

The TIS website

Implementation Oracle database with search functions in PL/SQLOracle database with search functions in PL/SQL Advantages:Advantages:  well-known product  can use standard interfaces to the database including SQL and ODBC  can dynamically generate pages using a variety of products (e.g. Perl, PHP, Cold Fusion)  not tied to one operating system platform  solutions easily scalable

Telemedicine mailing list About 230 membersAbout 230 members Typically 3-5 messages a weekTypically 3-5 messages a week High signal to noise ratioHigh signal to noise ratio Community buildingCommunity building