KARACHI, Oct 5: The introduction of information technology has played a vital role in advancement of science, medicine and research knowledge, Prof Kim Solez, professor of pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, said at a symposium on Sunday.

The moot on Tele-medicine and evidence-based medicine was hosted by the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Civil Hospital, at the Deewan Farooq Medical Complex.

Prof Solez, a pioneer in the field of Tele-medicine and Cyber-nephrology, said that Tele-medicine had revolutionized the therapeutics and diagnostics fields in the West.

“Discussions and conferences can be held via internet; opinions on difficult cases can be acquired and the less privileged regions can benefit from the research of the developed world,” he maintained, adding: “Besides, investigation results, CT scans and X-rays can be transmitted for opinions.”

He said that the hi-tech equipment required for internet-based video conference was not available in some Asian and South American countries.

The audience were told that the SIUT planned to introduce Cyber-nephrology in the near future, which would benefit the smaller centres treating kidney diseases in the other provinces of the country.

Ms Judith Tarselli, a professional nurse and in charge of infection control, Massachusetts’ General Hospital, speaking on evidence-based medicine (EBM), said the technology was introduced about two decades back with the intention of providing individualized and improved patient care.

She said the EBM kept the patients’ preferences and problems in view, as what was suitable for one person might not be so for another.

Informing about various research designs, she said the doctors had not only to recognize the patients’ needs but also provide information to them.—PPI