International Journal of Telemedicine and Applications
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The current medical system provides medical services to patients who visit hospitals. However, medical services can be provided at or close to the home of the patient using fully-equipped mobile telemedicine systems. Such a system can identify diseases at an early stage, improve the patient's quality of life and prognosis through early diagnosis and treatment, and reduce the cost of the medical service. Furthermore, the unit can provide mass screenings of the population, as well as a full medical service to remote areas. The Telecommunications Advanced Organization of Japan and Shinshu University Hospital established a research center for a unique telemedicine project using a mobile system. The mobile unit consists of a van that houses a spiral computed tomography (CT) machine and various telecommunications equipment. The unit allows medical examinations, CT scanning, and online two-way transfer of image data/teleconferencing to a medical center for consultation with various specialists. We have used the system thus far for the early detection of lung cancer through mass screenings over a four-year period in 29 administrative districts. Mass screenings of 19,117 residents resulted in the identification of 75 cases of early lung cancer in patients who were later treated by partial pneumonectomy. We have also used the system to provide medical services and telemedicine support to remote areas, winter-time telemedicine support to an international sports competition, and various medical services to a home-care facility.