Survey of Diego Garcia (BIOT) as a Remote Client for Telemedical Services

摘要

The purpose of this document is to report on the results of a site survey thatoccurred from 19-27 April 1996 on the island of Diego Garcia, which is part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BlOT). The objectives of the survey were (1) to assess the clinical requirements for telemedical services and (2) to evaluate the capability of a remote client to provide the communication resources for supporting these services. An assessment of the clinical needs revealed that teleradiology and video conferencing with still image transfers and whiteboarding were the major empowering services. Training aids and INTERNET video teleconferencing with one's medical peers were additional expressed needs. It was also determined that there were no specific requirements or desires for remote dental services unless it was part of a U.S. Navy-wide requisite. At present, the major stumbling block for telemedicine on Diego Garcia is the availability of affordable digital telecommunication services.