A proposal for telemedicine reference model for future standardization

This paper describes a telemedicine reference model for future standardization [Komiya, R (2005)]. The necessity of the telemedicine reference model has been recognized by ITU-T/D to realize telemedicine equipment portability internationally. Specifically, just in the case of Tsunami disasters on 26 December 2004, wide regional areas in Indian Sea were attacked and more than 273,000 people died. In such a disaster, international medical team cooperations should be necessary, and actually many medical teams came to rescue the wounded. Telemedicine equipment has also been utilized, but portability of the medical equipment was difficult because of the different interfaces. Therefore, it is necessary to have the standardization of the interface between telemedicine equipment and telecommunication systems. Furthermore, the telemedicine package [Komiya, R (2005)] standardization is also discussed to facilitate quick and efficient medical treatment for various disastrous cases.