The aim of this paper is to examine the increasing potential for applying multimedia technology within the medical community. Multimedia is considered to be a particularly appropriate means for information delivery within Healthcare Establishments (HCEs), especially for that relating to patient care, and the paper considers the principal advantages in this area. The discussion then proceeds to highlight the fact that adoption of multimedia dictates new requirements for information security and, by the nature of the technology involved, also allows new approaches to be explored. On this premise, the outline of a security strategy for future multimedia healthcare networks is proposed. The discussion is supported by an example scenario and a brief examination of our own research groups efforts in this area.
Name: Nichola Jane Salmons
Address: Network Research Group, Faculty of Technology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon. e-mail: nichola@soc.plym.ac.uk
Present Employer: University of Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon.
Duties or Job:
Currently in the second year of a PhD. which involves the development of a "Composite Multimedia Patient Health Care Records System". The project involves defining the user needs and system requirements, designing a suitable interface and records structure, and defining the media quality standards required for the presentation of patient data. The project will also address the issues of data and systems security, along will the problems of the systems integration.
Highlights of present work:
Working at Derriford Hospital in the health care environment and using a multimedia Pentium machine.
Education: BSc. in Applied Chemistry (University of Plymouth) 1991 PgD. in Computer Systems and Software Applications (University of Central Lancashire) 1992 MSc. in Telecommunications Technologies (Aston University) 1993