Design of Satellite-Based Networks for u-Health - GALENOS, DELTASS, MEDASHIP, EMISPHER

OP 2000 has implemented various satellite-based networks for telemedicine supporting the use of distributed medical intelligence. Such networks contribute to the improvement of the quality of medical care, to the cost-effective use of medical resources and to quick and reliable decisions. The high-end interactive video communication system WinVicos has been especially designed for telemedical applications like teleconsultation and second opinion and offers a superior image quality at a moderate transmission bandwidth of 0,5-1 Mbps. In the GALENOS project the first satellite-based trans-European competence network for telemedicine has connected 14 clinics in 6 countries. In the DELTASS project a satellite-based system for telemedical support in cases of disaster emergencies has been demonstrated. In MEDASHIP a system for telemedical support on-board of cruise ships and ferries has been set-up and evaluated. The EMISPHER project provides an equal access for most of the Euro-Mediterranean countries to online services for healthcare in the required quality of service. The Virtual Hospital will integrate the various platforms and services of the participating organizations to create a ubiquitous organization and to realize ubiquitous health (u-health).