bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of Orthopaedic Manipulator Arms
Authors: Hurst K.S.  , Phillips R.  , Viant W.J.  , Mohsen A.M.M.A.  , Sherman K.P.  , Bielby M.
Published: February 2025

Trajectory planning and implementation forms a substantial part of current and future orthopaedic practice. This type of surgery is governed by a basic orthopaedic principle [1] which involves the placement of a surgical tool at a specific site within a region, via a trajectory which is planned from X-ray based 2D images and governed by 3D anatomical constraints. The accuracy and safety of procedures utilising the basic orthopaedic principle depends on the surgeon's judgement, experience, ability to integrate images, utilisation of intra-operative X-ray, knowledge of anatomical-biomechanical constraints and eye hand dexterity. The surgeon must remain as the responsible medical expert in charge of the overall system. At the same time the surgeon covets the accuracy offered by Computer Assisted Surgery including a manipulator.
Video Tele-education Systems
Authors: Saba Virginia K.
Published: February 2025

This paper provides an overview of video tele-education distance learning systems that are being used to educate nursing students. These systems are using communication technology to teach courses to nursing students in one or more remote sites. The types of video tele-education systems are described. Also, the educational strategies to be concerned with and the technical requirements to implement a system successfully are presented.
Building Nursing Informatics Courses on the Web
Authors: Dounavis Peter  , Karistinou Emily  , Mantas John
Published: February 2025

The Information Technology is rapidly being integrated into Educational Institutions and Health Care Environments. Although the use of computer for education and training is not new to the academic society, further prospects are available through the use of emerging technologies as the Multimedia and the World Wide Web.
Methods of Responding to Healthcare Security Incidents
Authors: Furnell Steven  , Gritzalis Dimitris  , Katsikas Sokratis  , Mavroudakis Konstantinos  , Sanders Peter  , Warren Matthew
Published: February 2025

This paper considers the increasing requirement for security in healthcare IT systems and, in particular, identifies the need for appropriate means by which healthcare establishments (HCEs) may respond to incidents.
Privacy and Efficiency in Patient Focused Health Care Processes
Authors: Morger Othmar  , Nitsche Ulrich  , Teufel Stephanie
Published: February 2025

Today's health care industry is striving to achieve the development and deployment of computer-based patient records for improvements in health care quality, cost, and access. This rapidly increasing use of computer techniques in the field of medicine and health care has created an urgent need for the dissemination of information on data protection. We present in this paper a workflow-based approach to ensure privacy and efficiency in clinical information systems and discuss the presented solution according to its practicability in daily clinical use.
Integration of the analytical and alphabetical ICD10 in a coding help system. Proposal of a theoretical model for the ICD representation
Authors: Bouchet Christine  , Bodenreider Olivier  , Kohler François
Published: February 2025

In French hospitals, medical diagnosis coding with the ICD10 is commonly performed and the use of effective tools would help coders in their task.
World Wide Microscope : New Concept of Internet Telepathology Microscope and Implementation of the Prototype
Authors: Nagata Hiroshi  , Mizushima Hiroshi
Published: February 2025

We defined a new concept of microscope system for telepathology, named World Wide Microscope (WWM), and implemented its prototype. WWM is constructed by the following three units; (1) microscope unit, (2) control unit, and (3) internet unit. The microscope unit is a conventional light microscope equipped with a motor drive X-Y stage and an objective lens revolver, auto focus and auto iris functions, and a CCD camera. The internet unit is a World Wide Web homepage in which a Java applet and a communication server are installed. The applet is implemented several methods that realize to make a PC client on the Internet as a telepathology terminal. The control unit relays request commands generated from the applet to the microscope unit, and captures the microscopic images. We think WWM will probably become the all round telepathology tool of the next generation.
Using Classification Tree and Logistic Regression Methods to Diagnose Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Tsien Christine L.  , Fraser Hamish S.F.  , Long William J.  , Kennedy R. Lee
Published: February 2025

Early and accurate diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients who present to the Emergency Room (ER) complaining of chest pain is an important problem in emergency medicine. A number of decision aids have been developed to assist with this problem but have not achieved general use. Machine learning techniques, including classification tree and logistic regression (LR) methods, have the potential to create simple but accurate decision aids. Both a classification tree (FT Tree) and an LR model (FT LR) have been developed to predict the probability that a patient with chest pain is having an MI based solely upon data available at time of presentation to the ER. Training data came from a data set collected in Edinburgh, Scotland. Each model was then tested on a separate Edinburgh data set, as well as on a data set from a different hospital in Sheffield, England. Previously published models, the Goldman classification tree[l] and Kennedy LR equationp[2], were evaluated on the same test data sets. On the Edinburgh test set, results showed that the FT Tree, FT LR, and Kennedy LR performed equally well, with ROC curve areas of 94.04%, 94.28%, and 94.30%, respectively, while the Goldman Tree’sperformance was significantly poorer, with an area of 84.03%. The difference in ROC areas between the first three models and the Goldman model is significant beyond the 0.0001 level. On the Sheffield test set, results showed that the FT Tree, FT LR, and Kennedy LR ROC areas were not significantly different (p>= 0.17), while the FT Tree again outperformed the Goldman Tree (p = 0.006). Unlike previous work[3], this study indicates that classification trees, which have certain advantages over LR models, may perform as well as LR models in the diagnosis of patients with MI.
The Limitations of Decision Trees and Automatic Learning in Real World Medical Decision Making
Authors: Kokol Peter  , Zorman Milan  , Štiglic Milojka Molan  , Malèiæ Ivan
Published: February 2025

The decision tree approach is one of the most common approaches in automatic learning and decision making. It is popular for its simplicity in constructing, efficient use in decision making and for simple representation, which is easily understood by humans.
A Virtual University Web System for a Medical School
Authors: Séka Louis-Paul  , Duvauferrier Régis  , Fresnel Annie  , Le Beux Pierre
Published: February 2025

This paper describes a Virtual Medical University Web Server. This project started in 1994 by the development of the French Radiology Server. The main objective of our Medical Virtual University is to offer not only an initial training (for students) but also the Continuing Professional Education (for practitioners). Our system is based on electronic textbooks, clinical cases (around 4000) and a medical knowledge base called A.D.M (« Aide au Diagnostic Medical »). We have indexed all electronic textbooks and clinical cases according to the ADM base in order to facilitate the navigation on the system. This system base is supported by a relational database management system. The Virtual Medical University, available on the Web Internet, is presently in the process of external evaluations.
Using a Computer-based Patient Record for Quality Management in Surgery
Authors: Stausberg Jürgen  , Kolke Olga  , Albrecht Karlheinz
Published: February 2025

Our first generation hospital information system is in routine use since 1989. The patient data are used for multiple clinical purposes: operation scheduling, reminder for patient care, case retrieval for research and education, and so on. The computerbased patient record was complemented by a flexible PC-based query and report facility for quality management. A regular export of patient data from the host is translated into a relational database model and assessed via the standard of Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) by a statistical analysis tool. Herewith, descriptive and analytical statistics become available to support the clinical departments in patient care. Concerning the migration of first generation systems to modern architectures the presented approach has to be compared with strategies of replacement and capsulation. A decision on the strategy applied should take into account local resources and opportunities.
Chapter 5: Telemedicine Quality Control and Assurance
Authors: Ferrer-Roca O.
Published: February 2025

The strict control of Telemedicine trials is a guarantee for acceptance of the technique. This chapter introduces some guidelines on the aspects of quality control and assurance as well as the most common statistical techniques used for analysis
Chapter 2: Minimal Technical Requirements
Authors: Ferrer-Roca O.  , Pereira A.SOUSA
Published: February 2025

To be able to evaluate and indicate the MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS that a particular Telemedicine network, service, application or device should fulfil in order to assure a safe and adequate medical support at distance. The health community (users and providers) have to know which of the available technologies is suitable for that purpose and the reasons that justify a particular choice excluding others. An overview of the elements involved in Telemedicine applications is discussed in this chapter.
Rasterstereographic Functional Examinations: Precision Measurement of Kyphosis and Lordosis
Authors: Hierholzer Eberhard  , Drerup Burkhard
Published: February 2025

Owing to the absence of radiation load, rasterstereography is suitable for virtually unlimited functional examinations. These examinations have two main purposes. First, measuring shape parameters in different postures enables correlations between biomechanical quantities to be revealed. Second, once a standard posture has been defined, standardised parameters can be calculated. Depending on the number of contributing records, the accuracy of such standard values may be much higher than in the case of a single measurement. The procedure works for intentional gross posture changes as well as for unintentional minor posture sway. This is demonstrated for the kyphosis and lordosis angles in the case of anteversion and retroflexion. An additional interesting aspect is the correlation of kyphosis and lordosis with trunk length and with each other. In the present study, a coupled motion between kyphosis and lordosis was observed. On average, the kyphosis and lordosis angles changed nearly in parallel. A biomechanical explanation of this behaviour is, however, not yet available.
A Mathematical Model for an Intra-Operative Ster eovision System
Authors: Durdle N.G.  , Rasmusson J.  , Raso V. J.  , Hill D. L.  , Peterson A. E.
Published: February 2025

A mathematical model was created to predict the location and orientation of vertebrae relative to artificial markers. Because the stereovision system detects the position and orientation of artificial markers, the model was developed to transform the marker motion into vertebra motion. Geometry, vector analysis, and stereo-radiographs were used to relate die artificial markers to the vertebrae. Experiments were done using stereo-radiographs and an electromagnetic digitizer to determine die orientation and position of vertebrae in a simulated operating room (OR) environment. Results demonstrated Uiat the mathematical model performed as expected when supplied accurate data from an electromagnetic digitizer. Systematic errors in stereo-radiographs however resulted in 3D reconstruction inaccuracies of 6-7mm
Statistical dependence approach for the estimation of the spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity in rats and in humans
Authors: Cerutti Catherine  , Ducher Michel  , Gustin Marie-Paule  , Fauvel Jean-Pierre  , Cuisinaud Guy  , Paultre Christian
Published: February 2025

A new approach was developed to analyse the relationships between cardiovascular parameters using the concept of Statistical dependence and a new coefficient, Z, that expresses the dependence between two Statistical events, was defined. Using blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) beat-to-beat values recorded in rats, we showed in a previous study that some BP and HR couples of values were dependent due to the activity of the baroreflex. In this study, the ability of Z analysis to estimate baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), using mean BP (MAP) and HR values was tested. Dependent (MAP, HR) couples were selected with Z coefficient and a linear regression was performed between these selected MAP and HR values. The regression slope, taken as the index of BRS, was strongly correlated to BRS estimated with a pharmacological method. In humans, using Finapres®BP recordings, BRS was estimated from systolic BP and HR values with the Z method and with spectral analysis, by Computing the average modulus gain in the 0.07 – 0.14 Hz band. The Z method exhibited a good reproducibility and results obtained with the two methods were significantly correlated. In conclusion, Z coefficient allowed to isolate some couples of BP and HR values related to baroreflex activity. In rats and in humans, it appears able to provide a new estimate of the spontaneous BRS using Z coefficient as a selective filter.
Power Spectral Analysis of Heart Rate Variability by Autoregressive Modeling and Fast Fourier Transform: a Comparative Study
Authors: Fagard RH  , Pardaens K  , Staessen JA  , Thijs L  , Driessens E
Published: February 2025

Objective. To compare the results on short-term heart rate variability, analyzed in tlie frequency domain by use of autoregressive modeling (ARM) and by fast Fourier transform (FFT).
Interactive Navigation and Bronchial Tube Tracking in Virtual Bronchoscopy
Authors: Heng Pheng-Ann  , Fung Ping-Fu  , Wong Tien-Tsin  , Siu Yu-Hang  , Sun Hanqiu
Published: February 2025

An interactive virtual environment for simulation of bronchoscopy is developed. Medical doctor can safely plan their surgical bronchoscopy using the virtual environment without any invasive diagnosis which may risk the patient’s health. The 3D pen input device of the system allows the doctor to navigate and visualize the bronchial tree of the patient naturally and interactively. To navigate the patient’s bronchial tree, a vessel tracking process is required. While manual tracking is tedious and labor-intensive, fully automatic tracking may not be reliable. We propose a semi-automatic tracking technique called Intelligent Path Tracker which provides automation and enough user control during the vessel tracking. To support an interactive frame rate, we also introduce a new volume rendering acceleration technique, named as IsoRegion Leaping. The volume rendering is further accelerated by distributed rendering on a TCP/IP-based network of low-cost PCs. With these approaches, a 256 × 256 × 256 volume data of human lung, can be navigated and visualized at a frame rate of over 10Hz in our virtual bronchoscopy system.
Automatic modeling of knee joint motion for the Virtual Reality Dynamic Anatomy (VRDA) tool
Authors: Baillot Yohan  , Rolland Jannick P.  , Wright Donna L.
Published: February 2025

A system for automatic modeling of anatomical joint motion for use in the Virtual Reality Dynamic Anatomic (VRDA) tool is described. The modeling method described in this article relies on collision detection. An original incremental algorithm use this information to achieve stable positions and orientations of the tibia on the femur for each angle considered between these two components on the range of motion. The stable states then become the basis for a look-up table employed in the animation of the motion of the joint. The strength of the method lies in its robustness to animate any “normal” anatomical joint, given a set of kinematic constraints for the joint type as well as an accurate 3D geometric model of the joint. The demonstration could be patient specific (based on a person’s real anatomical data from an imaging procedure such as CT scanning) or scaled from a generic joint based on external patient measurements. The modeling method has been implemented on a generic knee model for use in the VRDA tool.
CAREN - COMPUTER ASSISTED REHABILITATION ENVIRONMENT
Authors: van der Eerden W.J.  , Otten E.  , May G.  , Even-Zohar O.
Published: February 2025

The CAREN project concerns the development of a virtual reality environment in which the agility of healthy subjects and patients can be tested in a variety of reproducible conditions. CAREN is made by customizing hardware and developing software to enable measurements of motion of a subject in detail as a response to a perturbation from the computer driven motion platform. After feeding the data in a human body model simulation, joint moments of force and muscle activation can be calculated. From the time patterns of these responses, inferences can be made concerning the motor programs the subjects launch. Any primary problem in a motor program, resulting in functional failure or inadequacy, can be identified down to the joint and muscle group. Secondary adaptations of patients to a limitation in the periphery (such as lack of muscle force) can be separated from the primary ones. Inadequacy of complete motor programs in children with movement disorders can be classified, recorded and related to progress that may occur. Especially the understanding of compensation strategies in patients may lead to a better therapeutic attitude. CAREN offers not only a test environment with means of almost unlimited exploratory behaviors for patients, but constitutes also a strong tool for motor control research.
An Improved Stereotactic Technique for Cyst Cannulation
Authors: Bergman William C.  , Tse Victor  , Schulz Raymond A.  , Geil Gary E.  , Shatsky Stanley A  , Bao Ling
Published: February 2025

Stereotactic techniques for cannulation of cystic structures, within the brain, are well known. Superimposed structures (vessels, ventricles, etc.) may make this problematic as does the need to approach the cystic structure perpendicular to its tangent plane (rather than “glancing”) as with a craniopharyngioma cyst.
A Virtual Instrument Ergonomics Workstation To Measure Surgeons' Physical Stress
Authors: Berguer Ramon  , Chen Chien-Yu  , Smith Warren D.
Published: February 2025

Videoendoscopic (VES) instruments have poor force transmission properties and often require surgeons to employ awkward hand and arm positions. In order to compare the physical workload of laparoscopic surgery to open surgery, we collected long-duration EMG records from the thumb (thenar compartment) of six surgeons perfonning suturing and knot tying in a training box using both open and VES techniques. EMG signals were acquired using a LabVTEW® Virtual Instrument and analyzed using a Modified Exposure Variation Analysis (MEVA) algorithm. Standard EMG indices and the MEVA analysis demonstrated significantly greater amplitude and duration of EMG signals using VES technique compared to open technique. Our results suggest that the use VES techniques requires a greater intensity of physical effort than open surgery techniques.
Legal Liability for Telemedicine and Healthcare Networking
Authors: Laske Caroline
Published: February 2025

The increasing use and reliance on informatics and telematics technology in health care raises the inevitable issue of how questions of liability will be dealt with in this new technological environment. Up to a certain point the paper analogy can still be appropriate. However, it is inevitable that the introduction of new technology goes hand in hand with new and/or different types of responsibilities and liabilities that need to be dealt with away from the paper analogy. Liability is obviously a vast subject covering various spheres and a great number of legal principles. The legal study that was undertaken within the ISHTAR project has dealt with questions of liability in the telematics environment. The latter was defined as the use of information technology in combination with telecommunication technology for health care purposes. In view of the fact that a great many telematics applications originate in an informatics set-up, it is inevitable that the study considered to some extent liability in relation to informatics, but nevertheless placing the main emphasis on the telematics element.
HIS Purchase Project: Preliminary Report
Authors: Madjaric M.  , Leodolter W.  , Leitner H.  , Gell G.
Published: February 2025

The KAGes (Krankenanstaltenges.m.b.H) is a company, owned by the state of Styria in Austria, which operates 20 hospitals with about 8.000 beds and 14.000 employees, serving a population of ca. 1.2 million people. KAGes is on its way to purchase a new hospital information system (HIS) for it’s hospitals.. Within the strategic IT plan and the “System Structure New” (SSN) project a methodology was developed, for making an effective HIS purchase. Several steps of this project are described in the paper: request for product information, evaluation of vendor proposals, product presentations, test site evaluation, reference site visits and selection of vendor finalists. The authors present the internal project management methodology, including the structure of the project team, project information management through intranet, criteria for different steps of the evaluation and evaluation site organization. Four major HIS vendors with leading HIS products qualified for this stage of the project (evaluation site). About 60 teams with 400 members (end users and IT-experts) have assessed all the products installed, during one or more, repeated, test sessions. The decision on which new HIS to purchase will be based on the recommendations derived from this evaluation. Two pilot installations (one general hospital and one teaching hospital department) are planned for implementation in the year 1999/2000 and subsequent roll-out (including substitution of the legacy system) is scheduled until the year 2003.
Human aspects of medical computer application
Authors: Lakner Geza
Published: February 2025

Most of the research activities in the field of medical informatics are directed toward technological-technical problems. Human factors of computer use are often a neglected topic. Even the application of the tiniest microcomputer embedded in a medical diagnostic equipment may pose user acceptance and motivation problems but to mention larger scale hospital information systems. In this paper the author presents some aspects of the human-computer interaction problems in a medicinal computer application setting.
Using IP-videoconferencing systems in a Surgery Consulting
Authors: Halín Nina  , Loula Pekka  , Jaatinen Pekka  , Aarnio Pertti
Published: February 2025

In this paper we describe how to use IP-videoconferencing systems in medical surgery consulting. We started to think about how we could use special doctor’s services without patients having to travel a long way. The answer to this question is that the information goes from one place to another, not the patient. First we had a pilot project, where we used the 3×ISDN transmission rate and now we are using ATM. We have here in Satakunta a local area network between our Satakunta Central Hospital and the Health Care Center in Noormarkku and Kankaanpää, so we have very good environment to do this kind of research. Our network is quite fast, we can use the 10 Mbps bitrate and in this network there are no other activities in this moment, so there are not any interferences. There is a surgery specialist in the hospital and a doctor in the health care center with a patient. The specialist looks at the monitor, where there is a videopicture of the patient from the health care center. Then the specialist makes the treatment plan for the patient.
Three-dimensional ROIs in Brain PET
Authors: Mykkänen Jouni  , Juhola Martti  , Ruotsalainen Ulla
Published: February 2025

A semi-automatic system for determining volumes of interest (VOI) from positron emission tomography (PET) scans of brain is de- scribed. The VOIs surface extraction is based on user selectable thresh- old and three-dimensional target flood-fill. Contrast to anatomical vol- ume detection approaches, volumes are determined from functional PET images and the obtained objects are checked against anatomical images. The developed VOI program was evaluated with brain FDOPA-PET studies where the striatum was the object. The results were comparable to entirely manual method and the target extraction time is reduced to about one third of manual method.
Post-Doc: Satisfying the Information Needs of General Practitioners in Continuing Medical Education and Daily Practice
Authors: Dickmann C.  , van der Baaren J.  , Spitzer K.
Published: February 2025

The learning needs of General Practitioners (GPs) are not optimally covered by traditional ways of Continuing Medical Education (CME). The European-funded Post-Doc project sets up a model for a European internet-based infrastructure and learning environment to support GPs' individual CME activities, focusing on problems of daily work. It integrates education, information and communication for both daily work and learning at home. Based upon a user requirements analysis, the service includes multimedia training applications, selections of relevant information sources, a calendar of events, and communication facilities. The service is intended to fit in existing health care structures and accreditation systems. Because of different languages and user requirements in Post-Doc’s regions each region builds an own website. The regional prototypes are built and evaluated in cooperation with small core user groups. This regional approach proved feasible and also influenced the network structure with regional demonstrator websites and one master website including central functionality.
Medical Informatics Educational Tasks Seen from Practical Perspective
Authors: Lungeanu Diana  , Dimitriu Rodica  , Bazavan Mariana  , Sima Radu  , Richards Bernard  , Neame Roderick  , Murphy Jeanette  , Mihalas George
Published: February 2025

This paper tries to synthesize the discussions of a seminar on medical informatics educational tasks held in May 1998 in Sinaia, Romania, within the frame of the Tempus-Phare Project CME-02555-96 entitled “Know How Transfer from University to Industry” and coordinated by the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Romania. Special emphasis was paid to particular features of medical education requirements in East European countries, with particular reference to Romania.
Computer-Aided Diagnostic System In Dentistry
Authors: Grošelj D.  , Malus M.  , Grabec I.
Published: February 2025

A dental diagnostic system for patient database management, automated measurements, diagnostics and statistical estimation of health conditions is described. To increase the diagnosis quality various diagnostic tools are developed using several statistical methods. The analysis provides information about the importance of particular general, dental, and periodontal data which are further used in quantitative modeling of healing process in the oral cavity. The system supports clinician’s diagnostic process and leads to improvement of decisions obtained by a conventional routine. Increased control and evaluation of different therapy types is enabled.
Virtual University Applied to Telesurgery: from Teleeducation to Telemanipulation
Authors: Marescaux J.  , Soler L.  , Mutter D.  , Leroy J.  , Vix M.  , Koehl C.  , Clément J.-M.
Published: February 2025

Problem / Background: In order to improve patient care by minimal invasive surgery (MIS), we perfected a Virtual TeleSurgical University that allows for teleeducation, teleconcertation, surgical planning and telemanipulation, through new Virtual Reality and multimedia systems.
Modelling the Interaction Among Several Mechanisms in the Short-term Arterial Pressure Control
Authors: Ursino Mauro
Published: February 2025

A Mathematical model of the short-term arterial pressure control in humans is presented. It includes a six-compartment description of the vascular system, an elastance variable model of the pulsating heart, two groups of baroreceptors (high-pressure or sinoaortic baroreceptors and low-pressure or cardiopulmonary baroreceptors), the efferent activity in the sympathetic nerves and in the vagus, and the response of four distinct effectors (heart period, systemic peripheral resistance, systemic venous unstressed volume and heart contractility).
Mobile Medical Data (MOMEDA) - A Personalized Medical Information System
Authors: Pavlopoulos S.  , Prentza A.  , Kyriacou E.  , Marinos S.  , Stasis A.  , Kalivas D.  , Koutsouris D.
Published: February 2025

MOMEDA is a two-years project supported by the European Commission (Telematics Applications Programme of DGXIII - Health Care Sector). The main objectives of the project are the development of a compact personal information terminal for hospital and home care environments that could be used by patients and a demonstrator that allows the consulting physician to access electronic patient record data from outside the hospital, using a hand held companion device connected to GSM network. Special attention is paid to a Personalized Medical Information System (PMIS) which will allow patients to access customized disease-specific information material that will enable them to fully understand in a simple and constructive form what their medical problem is, what the planned procedures are, what lifestyle they should follow during and after their hospitalization, thus becoming more qualified partners in the recovery process. Considering the fact that in most cases informed and educated patients are usually satisfied patients when the treatment is finished, patient satisfaction can be also accomplished. The design considerations for the PMIS system are presented and the implementation is discussed.
Developing New Competencies in Healthcare Practitioners in the Field
Authors: Roberts Jean M
Published: February 2025

The Life-long Learning concept is one which is appropriate for those who have (or create) the opportunities to develop their competencies once they are in an operational role. All models of healthcare delivery and management are VOLATILE and therefore the way of addressing new competencies cannot be prescriptive or stand still for too long, but the concepts do endure. Learning, in order to ‘keep up to date’ is very necessary - technology, new clinical practices and interventions, new drug interactions, increased patient demands $\ldots$ all add to the need to move with the times. This paper addresses some of the issues surrounding this challenge in the domain of informatics in support of healthcare delivery and management.
Designing for Interaction Quality in Health Telematics
Authors: Stephanidis Constantine
Published: February 2025

This paper focuses on emerging Human Computer Interaction (HCI) challenges in the context of Health Telematics. Specifically, assumptions in traditional approaches to product and process quality are discussed, in order to unfold the reasons behind the loose and partial insight offered to the design of technology for the broadest possible end-user population. The premises of “Universal Design” are briefly discussed and the concept of “User Interfaces for All” is presented, as an articulation of Universal Design in the area of HCI. Following this, the paper discusses how such a perspective improves upon conventional methods and tools for HCI design and presents some of its relative merits in the context of Health Telematics.
Medical image compression by cosine and wavelet transforms
Authors: Puniene Jurate  , Punys Vytenis  , Punys Jonas
Published: February 2025

The investigation results for improving lossy compression techniques for ultrasound and angiographic images are presented. The goal was to clear out where the compression process could be improved for the medical application, and to make efforts to improve it. It is proved that wavelet transform outperforms discrete cosine transform applied for ultrasound and angiographic images. A lot of wavelet classes were tried for choosing the best one suited for corresponding image classes, which were characterized by content complexity criterion. The analysis of international image compression standards was carried out. Special attention was paid to algorithmical and high level service structure of a new still image compression standard JPEG2000. Its open architecture enables including some wavelet classes which we would like to suggest for medical images.
Technological changes in the healthcare sector. A method to assess change readiness
Authors: Kristensen Margit  , Nøhr Christian
Published: February 2025

This paper describes the theory, method and recent results of a study developing methods for assessment of change readiness. The empirical focus is on development and implementation of clinical IT systems in the Danish healthcare sector. To assess change readiness, a questionnaire has been developed. The questionnaire has been tested in a hospital department as a part of a pre analysis related to development and implementation of an IT quality assurance system. The study shows a general positive attitude to the IT system and the organisational changes, related to the implementation and use of the system. It also supplies the project organisation with specific information, useful to the project organisation to continue the essential dialogue with the healthcare professionals during the change process. Furthermore it provides a useful tool for planning the ongoing developing processes. Several other healthcare organisations are at the moment entering the study
A Loss-Effectiveness Analysis of risk-adapted surveillance after colorectal polypectomy
Authors: Mansmann Ulrich
Published: February 2025

Surveillance of patients after initial polypectomy is considered as an effective means to prevent the development of colorectal carcinoma. Several proposals with varying follow-up schedules are given in the literature. Based on a growing awareness on possibilities to prevent colorectal cancer from developing, the discovery of colorectal adenoma and consequently the need for surveillance by colonoscopy will increase. In this paper, a strategy for a cost-effectiveness analysis of adenoma surveillance will be discussed. Obstacles to reach a conclusive result are pointed out, gaps in information needed are marked, modelling techniques used in a sound sensitivity analysis will be described.
How can Electronic Patient Records help innovate health care?
Authors: Elberg Pia
Published: February 2025

The approach of today's EPR seems so narrowly focused on automation of the existing information systems by means of information technology that it becomes obvious to raise the question: “will these automation efforts become an impediment to innovation in products and services in health care?” This paper discusses how different approaches to EPR evolution processes may be analysed.
The Black Sea Tele-Diab System: Development-Implementation-Clinical Evaluation
Authors: Pruna S.  , Georgescu M.  , Stanciu E.  , Dixon R.M.  , Harris N.D.
Published: February 2025

This paper describes the application of the GEHR (Good European Health Record) architecture to develop a system to enable the storage and exchange of EHCRs (Electronic Health Care Record) of patients with diabetes, in the Black Sea area. The objectives of the Black Sea Tele Diab System (BSTD) were to develop and evaluate the use of a fully-computerised healthcare record system in a clinical setting, to promote the use of electronic data exchange of healthcare information and to provide a framework for the epidemiological study and monitoring of diabetes care.
Developing the Health Information Infrastructure in the United States
Authors: Deering Mary Jo
Published: February 2025

Consumers, patients, and their families; health care providers and managers; public health professionals and policy makers need integrated multi-function health information structures that allow them to locate and apply information when and where they need it to make better decisions about health. The National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics (NCVHS), which advises the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) on health information policy, is promoting a comprehensive vision of the National Health Information Infrastructure (NHII). The NHII is defined as the set of technologies, standards, applications, systems, values, and laws that support all facets of individual health, health care, and public health. It is not a unitary database. The broad goal of the NHII is to deliver information to consumers, patients, professionals, and other health decision-makers when and where they need it. The NCVHS’ Interim Report presented three overlapping “dimensions” of the NHII: the personal health dimension, the health care provider dimension, and the community health dimension, to highlight the functions and value of information linkages from various perspectives. The content of an NHII includes clinical, population, and personal data, practice guidelines, biomedical, health services, and other research findings; and consumer health information. This data is, and will likely remain, stored in many locations. To succeed, such an effort will require coordinated, collaborative action. The NCVHS' final report to the HHS Secretary will include recommendations for Federal leadership and for other relevant stakeholders, including public health agencies; health care providers, plans and purchasers; the IT industry; standards development organizations; and consumer groups.
Evaluating New Health Information Technologies: Expanding the Frontiers of Health Care Delivery and Health Promotion
Authors: Kreps Gary L.
Published: February 2025

The modern health care system is being irrevocably changed by the development and introduction of new health information technologies (such as health information systems, decision-support tools, specialized websites, and innovative communication devices). While many of these new technologies hold the promise of revolutionizing the modern health system and facilitating improvements in health care delivery, health education, and health promotion, it is imperative to carefully examine and assess the effectiveness of these technological tools to determine which products are most useful to apply in specific contexts, as well as to learn how to best utilize these products and processes. Without good evaluative information about new technologies, we are unlikely to reap the greatest benefits from these powerful new tools. This chapter examines the demand for evaluating health information technologies and suggests several strategies for conducting rigorous and relevant evaluation research.
Measurable Models of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm on the Web
Authors: Giachetti Andrea  , Tuveri Massimiliano  , Zanetti Gianluigi
Published: February 2025

In this paper we describe a method for 3D reconstruction and web distribution of vessel structures specifically designed to allow the remote measurement of parameters of surgical interest. Deformable models are used for segmentation, while VRML and ECMA scripting are used to obtain 3D models that are not only viewable from any VRML97 enabled browser, but that also allow users to interact with the model, navigate along the vessel lumen and perform guided measurements of distances and angles.
Real-time Anatomical 3D Image Extraction for Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Ackerman Jeremy D.  , Keller Kurtis  , Fuchs Henry
Published: February 2025

Progress in the application of augmented reality to laparoscopic surgery has been limited by the difficulty associated with generating geometric information about the current patient in real time. Structured light techniques are well known methods for generating range images using a camera and projector, but typically fail when faced, with biological specimens. We describe techniques and equipment that have shown promise for acquisition of range images for use in a real-time augmented reality system for laparoscopic surgery.
Comparison of Tracking Techniques for Intraoperative Presentation of Medical Data using a See-Through Head-Mounted Display
Authors: Salb Tobias  , Burgert Oliver  , Gockel Tilo  , Giesler Björn  , Dillmann Rüdiger
Published: February 2025

Tracking of a see-through head-mounted display is a necessary precondition for proper overlay of virtual data and real scenes within the display. In our contribution ,the intention and technique for Intraoperative Presentation will be presented. Focus will be the tracking of the display device. We will illustrate and compare three different optical tracking approaches and the results achieved by using them.
Proofs of the Necessity of Medical Informatics for the Physicians in Bulgaria
Authors: Feschieva Nevyana  , Mircheva Iskra
Published: February 2025

It is obvious that medical practice needs to sustain a radical quality change due the fast penetration of information technologies in medicine and healthcare. One of the major problems of this change is the adequate education of the medical specialists to use these information and communication technologies, including Hospital information systems and electronic medical records.
Medical Internet Ethics: A Field in Evolution
Authors: Dyer Kirsti A.  , Thompson Cole D.
Published: February 2025

As in any new field, the merger of medicine, e-commerce and the Internet raises many questions pertaining to ethical conduct. Key issues include defining the essence of the patient provider relationship, establishing guidelines and training for practicing online medicine and therapy, setting standards for ethical online research, determining guidelines for providing quality healthcare information and requiring ethical conduct for medical and health websites. Physicians who follow their professional code of ethics are obligated not to exploit the relationship they have with patients, nor allow anyone else working with them to do so. Physicians and therapists are obligated to serve those who place trust in them for treatment, whether in face-to-face or online Internet encounters with patients or clients. This ethical responsibility to patients and clients is often in direct conflict with the business model of generating profits. Healthcare professionals involved in Medical Internet Ethics need to define the scope of competent medical and healthcare on the Internet. The emerging ethical issues facing medicine on the Internet, the current state of medical ethics on the Internet and questions for future directions of study in this evolving field are reviewed in this paper.
XML-based Visual Data Mining in Medicine
Authors: Dugas Martin  , Hoffmann Ellen  , Janko Sabine  , Hahnewald Silke  , Matis Tomas  , Überla Karl
Published: February 2025

Medical databases in general are characterized by a high degree of complexity in terms of quantity of items, number of parameter values and data types (free text, categorical, numerical and other). Substantial domain knowledge is required for adequate formalization of medical entities.
From Data Collection to Knowledge Data Discovery: A Medical Application of Data Mining
Authors: Duhamel Alain  , Picavet Monique  , Devos Patrick  , Beuscart Régis
Published: February 2025

Prison inmates are exposed to a variety of major risk factors (psychiatric disorders, suicide attempts, illicit drug use). From 1986 to 1996, the USA prison population more than doubled while in France, it increased from 35655 in 1980 to 51623 in 1995. In spite of these findings, very little information concerning the inmates population is available. At the present time, there is a desire to adopt a policy based on the prevention of recidivism, on adequate release planning and referrals to community-based services. The aim of the RAPPEL project was to build an information system for assessing the social and health status of prison inmates. The pilot project was set up at the prison of Loos and allowed the collection and analysis of nearly 15000 records. The aim of this paper is to present the extension of the project consisting in developing a regional network grouping 11 jails. Information locally available will serve as the basis for the information system of regional jails. Data mining techniques will provide solutions for the extraction of new information. Three data mining tools were experimented : association rules, classification trees and clustering. Further extension consists in a distributed approach allowing direct access to the information system by WEB tools.
Conceptual Search in Electronic Patient Record
Authors: Baud Robert H  , Lovis Christian  , Ruch Patrick  , Rassinoux Anne-Marie
Published: February 2025

Search by content in a large corpus of free texts in the medical domain is, today, only partially solved. The socalled GREP approach (Get Regular Expression and Print), based on highly efficient string matching techniques, is subject to inherent limitations, especially its inability to recognize domain specific knowledge. Such methods oblige the user to formulate his or her query in a logical Boolean style; if this constraint is not fulfilled, the results are poor.
An Open, Component-based Information Infrastructure to Support Integrated Regional Healthcare Networks
Authors: Katehakis Dimitrios G.  , Kostomanolakis Stavros  , Tsiknakis Manolis  , Orphanoudakis Stelios C.
Published: February 2025

A fundamental requirement for achieving continuity of care is the seamless sharing of multi-clinical information. Several different technological approaches can be followed to enable the sharing of health record segments. In all cases interoperability between systems is a prerequisite and this requires presently a major technological challenge. Interoperability can be achieved either through messages or through a more advanced approach based on a federation of autonomous systems. Message based integration is centered mainly on the exchange of HL7 and DICOM messages for achieving the functional integration of clinical information systems (CIS) at institutional or regional level. The federated approach is principally used for facilitating the virtual view of the Integrated Electronic Health Record (I-EHR), without having to replicate unnecessary information.
Implementation of an Expert System to Determine Eligibility and Priorities for Bone Marrow Transplants
Authors: Alves das Neves Heliz Regina  , de Almeida Rocha Roberto  , da Silva Dias João
Published: February 2025

The Bone Marrow Transplant Unit (BMTU) (Serviço de Transplante de Medula Óssea) at HC-UFPR, in Curitiba, Brazil, commonly receives a large number of candidates for bone marrow transplants (BMT). Managing information on the BMTU's waiting list is extremely complex and vital to services as eligibility and priorities are established with implications on both pre and post transplant survival. Consequently, physicians working at the BMTU have to regularly evaluate each candidate to determine his or her eligibility and priority for a BMT. This report describes the implementation of an expert system (ES) in aiding the assessment of candidates for BMT. The ES prototype was created as a means to help healthcare providers define eligibility and priority by using production rules and the Bayesian net (BN). Some factors contributed a lot to test and to validate the systems of this project. Real cases were tested, therefore BMTU presents a database (DB) with all the patients that are awaiting transplant. The system was capable of determining all the patients’ eligibility with the diagnosis of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and to indicate transplant priority.