Nationwide Cancer Information Network in JAPAN.

Hiroshi Mizushima, Eiko Uchiyama, Hiroshi Nagata, Fumihiko Wakao

National Cancer Center (Tokyo, JAPAN)

a) Purpose

To provide Recent Cancer Information to Regional Cancer Centers in Japan by conducting weekly multipoint HDTV conference between 8 institutes. Also used to enhance information exchange between cancer centers and to access Cancer related information on the Internet worldwide.

b) Methods

NCC is connected to Internet by Inter-Ministry Network Project (IMnet) by 1.5Mbps leased line. 6Mbps, 45Mbps, and 156Mbps lines are used between Central campus and East campus. ISDN INS1500 (384kbps, for HDTV still image or TV-sconference ) and Frame-Relay Network(64Kbps, for control and intranet communication) are used to communicate between NCC and regional cancer centers.

c) Results

As the School of Medicine continues the implementation of the distance learning/telemedicine curriculum they have found that students feel less isolated from their peers as they rotate through community learning sites throughout the state. Residents and medical students are exposed to a new era in learning that allows them to remain on the forefront of their profession. Finally, patients can rely on their local, family physicians for a considerable amount of their care due to improved access to specialists via the telemedicine links.

d) Conclusion

Telemedicine/distance learning are key components that enhance the curriculum of the John A. Burns School of Medicine. Since there is no teaching hospital, the community partnership sites must be linked to provide a homogenous environment for the residents, medical students, and staff. Voice, data, and especially video are the key ingredients to a successful, challenging educational and practical environment.

Last Update: 970528, hmizushi@ncc.go.jp