Citation

Yellowlees P, MacKenzie J. J. Telemed. Telecare 2003; 9(Suppl 2): S80-2.

Affiliation

Centre for Online Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. P.Yellowlees@uq.edu.au

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Royal Society of Medicine Press)

DOI

10.1258/135763303322596363

PMID

14728771

Abstract

Emerging infectious diseases, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), are of huge economic importance. They are difficult to predict. The World Health Organization has a Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, which was involved at an early stage in the SARS outbreak in 2003. Three major lessons were learned as a result of the SARS epidemic in 2003, involving communication, evidence-based action and global partnerships. It is proposed that a series of broadband global response networks should be developed. At a technical level the networks are essentially in place, such as the Internet2 global network. Suitable peripheral devices also exist. What has not yet been created is the appropriate software to allow the use of these networks, although a number of commercial products are in the process of development.

Language: en