Approach
Overall System Architecture
The infrastructure for the Market Validation is composed of the following sub-systems:
1. Tele-consultation sub-system
- High quality videoconference system - BASIC EQUIPMENT
The system uses a software technology for image compression and decompression based on an implementation
of MPEG v.4. This implementation allows better optimisation of frame transmission (bi-directional –
synchronous), with frame rate variable from 20 to 30 per sec.
Data transmission is based on IP protocol with encoding of transmitted data for security and privacy reasons.
Frames are generated by audio-video input devices, i.e. a remote controlled camera and an audio system with software echo suppression that allows both a one-to-one use and the environmental acquisition of sound sources (one-to-many). - Outpatient department management module - BASIC EQUIPMENT
This module allows collecting all the information necessary for carrying out the tele-consultation, e.g.
patient’s administrative data, anamnesis, objective test, haemato-chemical tests.
- Addittional components.
The SPEX prototype foresees the integration of diagnostic devices. These devices in general use non-standard protocols which are specific to each maker. Depending on the type and brand of diagnostic devices in use at the various healthcare outlets, some integration work (protocol conversion, normalisation) might be required.
2. Content management and eLearning sub-system
This sub-system supports the storage and delivery of training materials and the student - teacher –
tutor interaction.
This ASP platform, accessible only to authorised and registered users, enables, on one hand, teachers and tutors
to organise and store the training material, and, on the other hand, the learners to have on-line access to both
courses and updates, and tutors for discussing training issues/problems.
The platform allows also the profiling of learners according to their role and the configuration of courseware
modules according to the training requirements of a certain category of learners. This is made possible through a
content archiving and indexing method, on one side, and a registration and authentication engine, on the other side.
Each learner is assigned to one or more teachers and tutors with whom the learner can interact to request more
details on a specific subject or to ask questions. Question/answer sessions can be asynchronous or synchronous.
The teachers will upload the material that they have prepared to complement the classroom training activities
carried out in the Points of Care.
Learners will have access to the eLearning environment either from the Point of Care through the VPN or from Internet.
This system is centrally managed by the Centre of Excellence that grants access rights to learners, tutors and
teachers, verifies the activities that they have performed, and broadcast communications (updates, newsletters, etc.).
3. Connectivity sub-system
This sub-system provides a permanent high-speed connection with a bi-directional 384Kbps minimum guaranteed
bandwidth. In order to ensure the necessary performance, continuity of service and data security, a VPN (Virtual
Private Network) will be used. Each spoke will be connected to the Health Centre of Excellence and to
a management server, which will be in principle hosted by an external provider able to guarantee a number of services
such as data backup, monitoring and assistance.
