STORY OPPORTUNITIES:
1. Live, Interactive Telehealth Consultations: Mon. August 16, 1999 12:30-1:15 pm - Hall C
The Craniofacial Osseointegration and Maxillofacial Prosthetic Rehabilitation Unit (COMPRU) is a world leader in head and neck reconstruction. COMPRU is one of only four clinics in the world designated as reference centres for training and development. At the Congress, two live COMPRU consultations will take place between COMPRU co-director Dr. Gordon Wilkes and:
- Professor Per-Ingvar, a Swedish researcher who pioneered the biotechnology of osseointegration (placing metal implants into bone to anchor a prosthesis). The consultation looks at innovative technology for a finger reattachment, and a new implant technology for a mouth defect.
- The second consultation is with Dr. Satoru Nagata, of Japan, a world leader in ear reconstruction and a plastic surgeon. The consultation involves a child patient from Saskatchewan.
3-5:00 pm - Hall A/B
Dr. Howard Gimbel, of the Gimbel Eye Centre in Calgary, will conduct eye surgery during a live consultation with Congress audience members in Edmonton.
2. Security Issues: Mon. August 16, 1999
10:30-Noon - Salon 3
An extended session on security issues and the use of digital signatures to protect information and privacy. Security firm John Ramsey and JAWS Technologies will have a live demo on "hacking information." Also, find out about the first legally approved German pilot to implement electronic signatures and encryption into a patient data exchange. The pilot employs encryption with private and public keys on smart cards and electronic signatures.
3. Impact of Cultural Diversity: Tues. August 17, 1999
10:30-NOON - HALL C
NATIVE LEADER ELIJAH HARPER WILL PARTICIPATE
Implications of cultural diversity on telehealth applications: How will telehealth technologies affect healthcare in aboriginal communities? How will culture influence telehealth applications and delivery? Nicholas Ameyaw of Alberta Community Development, Elijah Harper Commissioner for the Indian Claims Commission, Cliff Hickey of the Canadian Circumpolar Institute and Nancy Gibson of the University of Alberta's Department of Human Ecology will participate.
4. Trauma Nursing Education goes High-Tech: Tues. August 17, 1999
2 pm - Salon 12
Trauma continues to be the leading cause of death for people aged 44 and younger. Trauma-related costs are staggering and the need for access to improved and comprehensive treatment methods in caring for trauma victims is of key importance. Find out about the overwhelming response to the Capital Health's Trauma Nurse Core Course from urban, rural and remote communities.
5. Everest Extreme Expedition: Wed. August 18, 1999
8:30 am - Salon 4
Most people hovering around 29,000 feet are usually in the safe, comfortable environment of a modern aircraft. But for those who choose to climb Mount Everest, this altitude represents a death zone. The Everest Extreme Expedition has not necessarily made the mountainous climb any easier, but it has added a new dimension to it: Telemedicine. In 1998 and now again in 1999, an elite team of climbers, medical specialists and technicians ushered the technology age to Everest Base Camp which acted as communications central. Connected to the world by portable satellite phones and laptop computers, expedition members were tethered to Yale University and a global community who acted as the "designated drivers" for the potentially hypoxic team. Using standard off-the-shelf technologies, as well as some cutting-edge devices, the Yale University physicians kept tabs on base camp personnel and climbers. Hear what their groundbreaking findings were.
6. Telehealth in Alberta: The Incredible Journey
Wed. August 18, 1999
11-Noon -- Hall C
Special Session: A live multimedia presentation of the history of telehealth in Alberta.