The potential impact of advanced medical communication systems on the communities that the medical c

The introduction of health information technology into community environments can have many and varied effects. As the adoption rates of such systems increase, so does the understanding that we must act with great sensitivity and responsibility.

The understanding that we are stepping towards an unknown frontier of socio-medical discoveries and influences, obliges us to be very sensitive to the processes and potential impacts on the communities that the medical centers serve.

ICU4CVID aims to provide advanced intensive care medical services (suitable for the fight against COVID-19) to the citizen and the health workforce in the EU and to do so quickly and on a large scale. This is done by deploying and implementing a telecommunications cyber-physical system (CPS4TIC).

The desire to reach as many communities as quickly involves understanding that this has a great potential impact. Efficient and sensitive implementation of the system can: reduce the distance as a barrier between patients and doctors, minimize the negative impact that patient transport has, make a tailored diagnosis and clinical diagnosis accessible, protect against further spread of diseases among community health and patients, quick and immediate access to information, etc. However, the assimilation of this type of system, which is done in an insensitive manner, can affect the socio-medical fabric in unexpected ways, possible effects are for example: expanding social distance, reducing interpersonal communication, generalizing patients and more.

As those involved in the implementation of an innovative telecommunication system, in a world of knowledge that is clearly at the forefront of technology, we must walk with open eyes and great social sensitivity. We need to be well aware of the cultural differences and rely on professionals from the local communities themselves. This is one of the reasons why we take the Hubs approach.

We invite you to read more about this important lesson on the 'Lessons Learned' page on our website, and of course to share this article further. if you would like to read more about our 'Hubs approach' you can do so on the ׳Hubs׳ page on the project website.