Category: opinion
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IBM to build computer models of health system
Now here’s an interesting report that I came across today. It’s titled “IBM developing test system to share health data” available from the Computerworld.com site. The article reports how IBM has decided to develop a “test” system that will allow for simulations of health encounters to see what types of information are to be shared…
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The story of eHealth
Okay, so I’ve been thinking about what the “story” behind eHealth is, and I think I’ve finally found an image that captures it. As you can see, there’s a gentleman seemingly receiving a hug from someone emerging from the computer screen. I think that in many ways, we like to think that the technologies we…
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"Give it away, give it away, give it away now"
Sure, the title of this post is from a Red Hot Chili Peppers song, but it’s an interesting one. Today’s Globe and Mail had an article reporting on how much information is available for free on newspaper websites (“How much should newspapers give away?“). The content wasn’t that interesting or surprising in and of itself,…
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Welcome to the WiFi world – is this a good thing?
It seems like WiFi (wireless fidelity or wireless networking) is all the rage at the moment, with Wifi hotspots popping up everywhere. I can see how having easily accessible access to the Internet can be a good thing. But, is it so good when hospitals jump into the foray? Here’s an article that I found…
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Health information professionals – do we need them?
Events in the past few days have made me re-think some of my ideas about access to information, particularly health information. Just because the Internet and other sources provide access to information, is this enough? For example, in my PhD work, I’m constantly searching for information. As a result, I’m at an advantage when compared…
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Signs of a coming Linux/Apple world?
Here’s an interesting article that I came across on Computerworld.com reporting on the increase in use of Apple computers in the life sciences. I know that in my particular “lab” (i.e., The Centre for Global eHealth Innovation), most people seem to be moving away from Microsoft Windows machines and to either Apple’s Mac or to…
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The allure of Apple, and its implications to eHealth
I spent a few hours yesterday backing up some data from my notebook to an external hard-disk. Since I only have USB1.1, the transfer was painfully slow. So, I visited my local computer store and bought a USB2.0 PCMCIA (*see note below) card in hopes that the faster transfer rate will speed things up. After…
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Of faith and eHealth – assumptions about improved health care?
Maybe I shouldn’t be so surprised, but I’m curious as to why there seems to be a sense of complete confidence that using eHealth (e.g., information and communication technologies in health care) will lead to better care, lower costs, and a more “satisfied customer”. In a short opinion piece titled “Taking a Walk on the…