U.S. National Institutes of Health
Cancer Diagnosis Program Cancer Imaging Program Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program Developmental Therapeutics Program Radiation Research Program Translational Research Program Biometric Research Branch Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Last Updated: 07/31/08

PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS

TELESYNERGY®

http://www3.cancer.gov/rrp/CDRP/telesynergy_info.html

Contact:

Mr. Seth Matheson
301-496-4357, mathesons@mail.nih.gov

For patients located in medically underserved areas such as rural or economically disadvantaged locales in the U.S. and worldwide, access to cutting-edge medical care and physician specialists is often unobtainable and participation in clinical trials unlikely.

The leadership at RRP sought to bridge this gap by developing a telemedicine system called TELESYNERGY®. RRP investigators worked together with researchers from the NIH Center for Information Technology to develop the system.

TELESYNERGY® is a combination of computer hardware, telecommunications software, medical equipment, and human expertise that allows clinicians to collaborate as if they were in the same room. With the system, cancer center specialists can consult on cases all over the nation and abroad and mentor investigators who work with patients in underserved areas to promote participation in clinical trials. Currently, 23 institutions in the U.S. and seven international organizations are linked via the system.

TELESYNERGY® Functionalities

  • Videoconferencing
    • Simultaneous video and audio streams

    • Compatible with all videoconference systems on the open market, including PolyCom® and PictureTel®

  • Data Exchange
    • DICOM image transfer (store and forward)

    • Data transfer, any type

  • Image Manipulation and Analysis

    • X-rays, CT, MRI, ultrasound, etc.

  • Clinical and Research Microscopy

  • Interactive Discussions and Teaching Sessions

  • Imaging Add-ons as Needed

    • Retinal camera, ultrasound machine, examination camera, and others

  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)–Compliant

  • Moving toward Web-based approach to reduce operating costs and increase accessibility

TELESYNERGY® units also link researchers globally. Currently, there are systems in Dublin, Ireland; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Brussels, Belgium; and Amman, Jordan.

RRP continues to deploy TELESYNERGY® systems throughout the U.S. and Europe. It also provides installation, training, and ongoing technical support and coordinates multisite TELESYNERGY® conferences.

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