Teleconferences Promote Distance Learning

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While the impact of the rapidly transmitted written word is an important part of communication, AIHA's teleconference program has added visual power to the technological potential available to partners. Realizing the strength associated with visual imagery, AIHA added teleconferencing to the tools available to enhance the impact and sustainability of the partnership activities. Billed as a means to facilitate live, interactive communication, partners have enthusiastically embraced this emerging technology to better coordinate their joint efforts, to present professional development seminars, and to educate community-wide audiences.

During a teleconference, video cameras transmit images and sound via satellite or high-capacity telephone lines, instantaneously linking two remote locations, whether they are across town from one another or across oceans.

Teleconferences between Brigham-Women's Hospital of Boston and the Pirogov First Municipal Hospital of Moscow feature case presentations focusing on common, yet serious medical conditions, such as myocardial infarction. The lively two-way exchange stimulates patient care protocols transcending the miles and reaching patients on both sides of the ocean. Building on their three-year relationship, the University of Nevada and South Bohemia University partnership tackles pressing socio-economic problems impacting the health care system of the Czech Republic, such as downsizing, scarce financial resources, and the management of changing health care systems. Experts from both sides develop approaches to these intense problems, then, reconvene after a few weeks via teleconferencing to discuss the merits of their solutions. Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Vac, Hungary partners supplement their study tours of the US and Hungary with planning and followup sessions using teleconferencing. This results in exchanges that are more realistic and practical for the participants.

Teleconferencing will extend the impact of the partnerships and strengthen the human bond that unites people from both of our continents.

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