Grid technology, one of the key technologies for the 'European Research Area', offers rapid computation, large scale data storage and flexible collaboration by harnessing together the power of large numbers of computers, from end-users' desktops to powerful workstations and clusters of more powerful machines. The grid was devised for use in scientific fields, such as particle physics and bioinformatics, in which large volumes of data, or very rapid processing, or both, are necessary.
Hospital intensive care units (ICUs) generate extraordinary amounts of clinical data on a daily basis - thousands of data elements per day, per patient. Meanwhile, busy clinicians, who are often understaffed in these areas, need to concentrate on providing expert patient care while minimizing potential risks.
A new research fellowship scheme opened today will provide £4 million in funding over the next three years for healthcare scientists to undertake research to improve patient services and treatment. Funded by the Department of Health and supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the scheme will fund areas of research that will have direct patient benefit.
4-6 November, 2008, Copenhagen, Denmark
The World of Health IT 2008 (WoHIT 2008) Conference & Exhibition is an innovative and forward-thinking event designed to deepen the understanding of specific healthcare ICT markets in Europe. Given the location of this year's conference, a special "Danish and Nordic Track" featuring discussions on healthcare ICT issues in both Scandinavia and the Baltic region has been created specifically for WoHIT 2008.
An EU-funded study has demonstrated a new technique that could be used for the early detection of breast cancer. Scientists from Finland, France and Germany used three-dimensional X-ray analysis to obtain a high-resolution, high-contrast image of the breast that is extremely sensitive to changes in the tissue, such as those that might be caused by a tumour. Their findings mark a significant improvement in the state of the art of X-ray mammography.
A Work Product of the HIMSS Enterprise Systems Steering Committee and the Global Enterprise Task Force
Healthcare information technology (IT) is a sleeping giant. Although healthcare budgets contribute to the bulk of worldwide industrialized government spending, healthcare IT lags far behind the technological capabilities of other global businesses including banking, telecommunications and the media.
An online advertising service that will help 'hook up' NHS providers with healthcare suppliers was announced today by Health Minister Ben Bradshaw. Speaking at the Laing and Buisson Independent Healthcare Convention, he set out how the new website, NHS Supply2Health will make it easier for Primary Care Trust (PCT) commissioners to advertise health and social care services they require and for suppliers to identify business opportunities within the NHS.
The European Commission has published a number of calls for proposals under the specific programmes Cooperation and Capacities of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). The calls address the following areas:
The European Research Council (ERC) is leading the way in the provision of financial support to some of Europe's finest researchers. Funding provided by the ERC, a total of EUR 7.5 billion, not only supports research but further stimulates pioneering research in groundbreaking new areas, areas that may not have been financially viable without ERC support.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) from UK launched a new online education and training service for health care professionals, named eHealth. The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accredited online training is funded by the Department of Health and covers the management of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) injuries and incidents.