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{\title E-health is the buzzword these days when is comes to healthcare}{\author Joanne LaBossi\'8fre}{\operator tania}{\creatim\yr2003\mo3\dy31\hr10\min37}{\revtim\yr2003\mo3\dy31\hr10\min37}{\printim\yr2003\mo3\dy23\hr16\min53}{\version2}{\edmins0}
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{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \s1\qj\keepn\widctlpar\outlinelevel0\adjustright \b\f1\fs20\lang1033\cgrid {\f0\fs24 Health and the Information Society
\par }\pard\plain \qj\widctlpar\adjustright \f1\fs20\lang1033\cgrid {\f0\fs24 
\par }{\i\f0\fs24 E-health}{\f0\fs24  is the buzzword these days when is comes to healthcare. Described by the World Health Organization (}{\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\f0\fs24  HYPERLINK "http://www.who.int" }{\f0\fs24 {\*\datafield 
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\cs15\f0\fs24\ul\cf2 www.who.int}}}{\f0\fs24 ) as \u8220\'d2a new term to describe the combined use of electronic communications and information technology in the health sector\u8221\'d3, }{\i\f0\fs24 e-health}{\f0\fs24 
 is changing economics and interrelationships in healthcare. But what does this all mean? How exactly are ICT affecting the health sector, here in Canada and internationally?
\par 
\par One of the 
most obvious uses of ICT in the health sector is for education purposes. Health is everywhere: in newspapers, on the radio, on TV and, increasingly, on the Internet. More and more, people are turning to the Internet to get the health information they want
. According to the Canadian Health Network (}{\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\f0\fs24  HYPERLINK "http://www.canadian-health-network" }{\f0\fs24 {\*\datafield 
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630061006e0061006400690061006e002d006800650061006c00740068002d006e006500740077006f0072006b002f000000}}}{\fldrslt {\cs15\f0\fs24\ul\cf2 www.canadian-health-network}}}{\f0\fs24 
), 66% of the Canadians with Internet access visit Web sites offering health and medical information. ICT put health information at people\rquote s fingertips and allow individuals to play a greater role in their own health. 
\par 
\par But this abundance of easily accessible information has created a concern about the quality of this information. Anybody can put up information on the Internet: drug comp
anies, businesses, individuals, organizations, etc. The consumer must be knowledgeable, discerning and look for reputable sources. Is there a need to educate the public about information credibility? Information quality is of particular importance with re
gards to health because following some inappropriate advice can be dangerous. The World Health Organization (WHO) has looked into creating a \u8220\'d2dot.health\u8221\'d3 domain, similar to \u8220\'d2dot.com\u8221\'d3 and \u8220\'d2dot.net\u8221\'d3
, where information would be regulated, monitored and reputable.
\par 
\par Health professionals and institutions are also increasingly turning to ICT in search of health information. Health Internetwork (}{\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\f0\fs24  HYPERLINK "http://www.healthinternetwork.org" }{\f0\fs24 {\*\datafield 
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650061006c007400680069006e007400650072006e006500740077006f0072006b002e006f00720067002f000000}}}{\fldrslt {\cs15\f0\fs24\ul\cf2 www.healthinternetwork.org}}}{\f0\fs24 ) is an innovative partnership between the pu
blic and private sector that has made essential medical and health information more accessible. Launched by the United Nations to bridge the \u8220\'d2digital divide\u8221\'d3
 in health, it allows health institutions in developing countries to have free or low-cost Internet access to over 2000 health-related journals. 
\par 
\par }{\i\f0\fs24 Telemedicine}{\f0\fs24 , using ICT to deliver health information and services over long distances}{\i\f0\fs24 ,}{\f0\fs24 
 is another area where ICT can impact healthcare. For example, a patient with a heart condition in rural NorthWest Territories could have a video}{\i\f0\fs24  }{\f0\fs24 
consultation with a cardiologist in Edmonton. This field is relatively new but its potential for making healthcare more accessible and cost-effective in remote communities all over the world is promising. }{\i\f0\fs24 E-prescription,}{\f0\fs24  where medi
cation would be prescribed by a doctor through the Internet, is another potential application of ICT in healthcare. 
\par 
\par ICT are powerful tools in the management of health information systems. Data can be collected, processed and managed more efficiently. Wit
h more accurate information, health institutions and organizations can better determine the health needs of their communities. An example of this is The Tanzania Essential Health Intervention Project, a partnership between the Tanzania Ministry of Health 
a
nd the International Development Research Council of Canada (IDRC). Data collectors travel the region on bicycle to gather health information about every resident. This data is sent to a central processing centre, which then returns it to the district hea
lth managers. These managers have a software program that assists them in using this information for resource allocation. Similarly, ICT are being used to monitor children\rquote 
s health in some of the poorest neighborhoods of Senegal, thanks to a partnership between Alcatel and Afrique Initiatives. Local women are trained to act as \ldblquote \~weighing officers\~\rdblquote 
. They visit targeted households twice a week to weigh infants and children. This data is sent, via the Internet, to a pediatrician who processes the information a
nd alerts the weighing officers of suspicious weight gains or losses. The officers contact the affected families to recommend a visit to the hospital. 
\par 
\par In Canada, the Canadian Health Infoway Inc (}{\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\f0\fs24  HYPERLINK "http://www.canadahealthinfoway.ca" }{\f0\fs24 {\*\datafield 
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), a not-for-profit corporation, is leading the way for Electronic Health Records (EHR), which they describe as \u8220\'d2a secure and private lifetime record of an individual\rquote s key health history and care in the system\u8221\'d3
.  Their goal is to develop and implement EHR for Canadians that would be effective, sustainable and compatible across the nation.
\par  
\par Community mobilization and empowerment is another area where ICT have a great potential. Through the use of ICT, communities can play a greater role in their health. For example, in Macedonia, the project \ldblquote \~Right to Know\~\rdblquote 
 aims at promoting a better understanding of HIV/AIDS among youth. Workshops on the subject are created and ICT are used by the participants to express their opinions. In Kenya, a project by AfriAfya (}{\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\f0\fs24  HYPERLINK
 "http://www.afriafya.org" }{\f0\fs24 {\*\datafield 
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67002f000000}}}{\fldrslt {\cs15\f0\fs24\ul\cf2 www.afriafya.org}}}{\f0\fs24 
) promotes information sharing between local communities. ICT enable local groups to discuss and share opinions on how cultural practices can be detrimental to the spread of HIV/AIDS in the region. This project was created to promote \u8220\'d2
lateral sharing\u8221\'d3, instead of the usual \u8220\'d2top down\u8221\'d3 approach which often ignores the wisdom that exists in communities.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s1\qj\keepn\widctlpar\outlinelevel0\adjustright \b\f1\fs20\lang1033\cgrid {\f0\fs24 The Environment and the Information Society
\par }\pard\plain \qj\widctlpar\adjustright \f1\fs20\lang1033\cgrid {\f0\fs24 
\par One of the most obvious benefits of ICT for the environment is its \ldblquote \~dematerialization potential\~\rdblquote 
. Digital services can replace material products, such as email reducing the need for paper or electronic newsletters in lieu of mail outs. ICT can make processes more energy-efficient and products
 more material-efficient. Telecommunications can reduce the need for energy-consuming transportation.
\par 
\par However, ICT consume energy. According to the WSIS working group on the impact of ICT on the environment, \ldblquote \~in industrialized countries, between 5% and 1
0% of total electricity demand is consumed by ICT and contributes with 1-3% to worldwide CO2 emissions. (This percentage) is steadily increasing, despite tremendous efficiency improvements\u8230\'c9
The electricity demand of new services and the more intensive use and diffusion of existing services exceed by far the energy conserved by efficiency improvements.\~\rdblquote  (}{\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\f0\fs24  HYPERLINK
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\cs15\f0\fs24\ul\cf2 http://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-s/md/03/wsispc2/c/S03-WSISPC2-C-0043!!PDF-E.pdf}}}{\f0\fs24 )
\par 
\par The working group lists \ldblquote \~stand-by losses\~\rdblquote 
 as a key issue to focus on. A large portion of the energy used by ICT, approximately 50%, is consumed when the equipment is not in actual use. For example, computers in a network often cannot
 be completely disconnected. Low-power modes can be used, but these are not always made available or used on a regular basis. Laptops and other mobile technology have efficient energy-saving modes, but these are more costly. Some actions to address these 
issues include creating laws on energy-efficiency and developing more energy-efficient products.
\par 
\par ICT waste is a reality of the Information Society. Technology is constantly being improved and equipment needs to be upgraded. The first computers in 1960 were
 used on average for 10 years; today, the average lifespan for computers is 4.3 years, with this number dropping to 2 years for the most innovative products (}{\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\f0\fs24  HYPERLINK
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). According to Environment Canada, the quantity of computer waste disposed is expected to double (in Canada) over 5 years to an estimated 71,650 tonnes in 2005. How ICT waste is being disposed is an issue,
 as some companies in industrialized countries have been dumping it in developing countries. Global agreements, such as the Basel Convention (}{\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\f0\fs24  HYPERLINK "http://www.basel.int" }{\f0\fs24 {\*\datafield 
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{\cs15\f0\fs24\ul\cf2 www.basel.int}}}{\f0\fs24 ), prohibit the exportation of such hazardous waste.  Other ini
tiatives aim at making ICT equipment less toxic, as computers are made up of hundreds, even thousands, of materials that can be toxic for the environment (}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\f0\fs24  HYPERLINK
 "http://www.euractiv.com/cgi-bin/cgint.exe/?targ=5&714&1015=9&1014=ld_weee&-tt=ENWELD" }{\f0\fs24 {\*\datafield 
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2600370031003400260031003000310035003d003900260031003000310034003d006c0064005f00770065006500650026002d00740074003d0045004e00570045004c0044000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90baa00000068007400740070003a002f002f007700770077002e0065007500720061006300740069
0076002e0063006f006d002f006300670069002d00620069006e002f006300670069006e0074002e006500780065002f003f0074006100720067003d0035002600370031003400260031003000310035003d003900260031003000310034003d006c0064005f00770065006500650026002d00740074003d0045004e005700
45004c0044000000}}}{\fldrslt {\cs15\f0\fs24\ul\cf2 http://www.euractiv.com/cgi-bin/cgint.exe/?targ=5&714&1015=9&1014=ld_weee&-tt=ENWELD}}}{\f0\fs24 ).
\par 
\par There\rquote s an increased focus on reusing and recycling equipment to minimize ICT waste. Governments are called upon to implement national recycling programs, policies and
 laws that take into account repair, reuse and upgrade. The European Union has developed some of the most progressive laws in this area.  In Canada, the }{\i\f0\fs24 Computer for Schools}{\f0\fs24 
 program encourages organizations, government agencies and businesses to donate their old computers to schools (}{\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\f0\fs24  HYPERLINK "http://cfs-ope.ic.gc.ca" }{\f0\fs24 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b02000000170000001800000068007400740070003a002f002f006300660073002d006f00700065002e00690063002e00670063002e00630061000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b3200000068007400740070003a002f002f006300660073002d006f00700065002e00
690063002e00670063002e00630061002f000000}}}{\fldrslt {\cs15\f0\fs24\ul\cf2 http://cfs-ope.ic.gc.ca}}}{\f0\fs24 
). Some organizations in industrialized regions send used equipment to developing countries. Such actions can create jobs and possibly a whole new economic sector 
in the developing regions. However, there is concern that these initiatives may widen the digital divide, if the equipment being used in developing countries is always \u8220\'d2outdated\u8221\'d3.
\par 
\par As with healthcare, ICT can facilitate partnerships and information sharing
 between NGOs, private companies, government departments, etc. involved in environmental issues. ICT can be used for more efficient information systems and data banks, better monitoring of environmental conditions, and improved data collection, processing
 and management at all levels. Environmental information can be made more accessible and ICT can be used for community mobilization and empowerment.
\par  
\par ICT can be powerful tools in the areas of health and the environment, in Canada and internationally. The advantages and challenges they present are numerous, and their potential impact on human health and the environment should be explored farther.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24 Questions to consider:
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang1033 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \u-3913\'b7\tab}}\pard \fi-340\li340\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx360\ls7\adjustright {\f0\fs24 When it comes to health, the environment and the Information Society, what issues are you
 most concerned about?
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang1033 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \u-3913\'b7\tab}
In your opinion, what are the biggest advantages of ICT in health and the environment? What issues could especially benefit from ICT? What are the greatest potential negative effects and how can we prevent or minimize these?
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang1033 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \u-3913\'b7\tab}What role should ICT play in health and the environment, in Canada and internationally? How can or should we use ICT to foster healthy societies and a clean environment?
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang1033 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \u-3913\'b7\tab}Will }{\i\f0\fs24 e-health}{\f0\fs24  make health more accessible, in Canada and abroad? Can it marginalize communitie
s or individuals who have limited or no access to ICT? What should be the focus of }{\i\f0\fs24 e-health}{\f0\fs24 ?
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang1033 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \u-3913\'b7\tab}How should we approach the issue of ICT waste, in industrialized and developing countries? Are we doing enough to prevent environmental problems due to ICT waste?
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang1033 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \u-3913\'b7\tab}What role can youth play in promoting healthy societies and a clean environment within the Information Society?
\par }\pard \widctlpar\adjustright {\f0\fs24 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24 Interesting links:
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang1033 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \u-3913\'b7\tab}}\pard \fi-340\li340\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx360\ls8\adjustright {\f0\fs24 WSIS Environment and ICT Working Group (}{\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\f0\fs24  HYPERLINK
 "http://www.wsis.ethz.ch" }{\f0\fs24 {\*\datafield 
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68002f000000}}}{\fldrslt {\cs15\f0\fs24\ul\cf2 www.wsis.ethz.ch}}}{\f0\fs24 )
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang1033 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \u-3913\'b7\tab}An Environment Canada report on ICT waste in Canada (}{\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\f0\fs24  HYPERLINK "http://www.ec.gc.ca/nopp/docs/rpt/itwaste/en/index.cfm" }{\f0\fs24 
{\*\datafield 
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78002e00630066006d000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b6e00000068007400740070003a002f002f007700770077002e00650063002e00670063002e00630061002f006e006f00700070002f0064006f00630073002f007200700074002f0069007400770061007300740065002f0065006e002f0069006e0064
00650078002e00630066006d000000}}}{\fldrslt {\cs15\f0\fs24\ul\cf2 http://www.ec.gc.ca/nopp/docs/rpt/itwaste/en/index.cfm}}}{\f0\fs24 ) 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang1033 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \u-3913\'b7\tab}Health Canada\rquote s Office of Health and the Information Highway (}{\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\f0\fs24  HYPERLINK "http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ohih-bsi" }{\f0\fs24 {\*\datafield 
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730063002e00670063002e00630061002f006f006800690068002d006200730069000000}}}{\fldrslt {\cs15\f0\fs24\ul\cf2 www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ohih-bsi}}}{\f0\fs24 ) }{\b\fs24\loch\af0\hich\af0\dbch\f20 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang1033 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \u-3913\'b7\tab}}{\f0\fs24 ICT and e-business in the health sector, European Commission (}{\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\f0\fs24  HYPERLINK
 "http://www.ebusiness-watch.org/marketwatch/ressources/No07_Health.pdf" }{\f0\fs24 {\*\datafield 
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300037005f004800650061006c00740068002e007000640066000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b8c00000068007400740070003a002f002f007700770077002e00650062007500730069006e006500730073002d00770061007400630068002e006f00720067002f006d00610072006b00650074007700610074
00630068002f0072006500730073006f00750072006300650073002f004e006f00300037005f004800650061006c00740068002e007000640066000000}}}{\fldrslt {\cs15\f0\fs24\ul\cf2 www.ebusiness-watch.org/marketwatch/ressources/No07_Health.pdf}}}{\f0\fs24 ) 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang1033 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \u-3913\'b7\tab}Environment in a Global Information Society International Research Programme (}{\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\f0\fs24  HYPERLINK "http://egis.cefe.cnrs-mop.fr" }{\f0\fs24 
{\*\datafield 
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73002e0063006500660065002e0063006e00720073002d006d006f0070002e00660072002f000000}}}{\fldrslt {\cs15\f0\fs24\ul\cf2 http://egis.cefe.cnrs-mop.fr}}}{\f0\fs24 ) 
\par }}