New Web Site Advances Global Health Initiatives

The Ohio Academic Resources Network (OARnet) has announced the launch of a Web site in support of the Telehealth Video Resource Center (TVRC).  The site allows physicians and healthcare providers worldwide access to videoconferencing, educational resources and other tools and services made possible through TVRC.

“TVRC supports the use of high quality video for health education and training, research and associated clinical activities,” said Charles R. Daom, executive director.  Via videoconferencing, TVRC participants might share grand rounds where doctors meet to discuss multiple patients, offer demonstrations of new and emerging clinical practices and conduct research projects such as clinical trials.  

One of the early telehealth projects included a series of videoconferences where U.S. trauma specialists shared insights with healthcare professionals in Latin America, Africa and South Asia.  Another project allowed American surgeons to demonstrate orthopedic knee surgery for colleagues in China.  By making TVRC services and capabilities available on the Web, the center can serve the needs of a global healthcare community, minimizing the digital divide experienced by remote and impoverished nations.  

Ohio officials have placed an emphasis on the state becoming a leader in the telehealth movement.  The state has invested in an advanced, fiber-optic network and in pilot telehealth projects.  In addition to OARnet, which is the technology infrastructure arm of the University System of Ohio, TVRC is supported by the World Bank, Internet2 and the Ohio Supercomputer Center.  Officials anticipate the development of similar networks for other professions in coming years. 

For more information, see the release from the Ohio Supercomputer Center: 

http://www.osc.edu/press/releases/2009/tvrc.shtml