SIGN PROJECT TELEGENETICS-PROVIDING REMOTE GENETIC SERVICES IN THE CROSS-BORDER REGION OF ITALY AND SLOVENIA

Dimitar Hristovski
unpublished
This paper describes the telegenetics component of the SIGN project. Telegenetics is a subfield of telemedicine applied to clinical genetics. In the SIGN project, telegenetics aims to provide remote genetic services in the cross-border region of Italy and Slovenia. More specifically, the goal is to develop remote genetic services in areas without them and to provide best expertise in clinical genetics without the need to travel large distances (patients or professionals). The major telegenetics
more » ... activities within the SIGN project are the development of remote genetic services: for genetic counseling, for expert to expert communication, and for communication between the partners of the project. To accomplish the activities, these major tasks had to be done: testing and selection of video-conferencing equipment and software for secure data sharing and exchange; development of work protocols; end-user education; installation, configuration and testing of necessary hardware, software and developed protocols; and evaluation of user satisfaction (both patients and genetic service providers). The preliminary evaluation results show promising user-satisfaction. They also highlight areas where further improvement of the remote services is possible.
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