New global medical workstation at LMC increases cancer research in Laredo
The acquisition of TeleSynergy, a global medical workstation at the Laredo Medical Center brings cancer research to Laredo . Faculty physicians from the University of Texas Health Science Center are serving as liaisons for cancer specialists in Laredo under a unique National Cancer Institute model project called the Cancer Disparities Research Partnership (CDRP). The purpose of the CDRP is to identify and address the excess morbidity and mortality prevalent in minority patients diagnosed with cancer. With the continued goal of reducing health disparities within the Hispanic population, Laredo Medical is part of a group effort with the National Cancer Institute and is part of the CDRP.
Through this model project and the efforts of project principal investigator, Yadvindera (Bobby) Bains, MD, medical director of Radiation Oncology at the A.R. Sanchez, Sr., and Iris Sanchez Stewart Cancer Center at LMC and adjunct associate professor of Radiation Oncology at the Health Science Center, the Laredo Medical Center grant has received $3.44 million over a period of 5 years to continue cancer treatment research in the Laredo area. As part of the grant, both LMC and UTHSCSA were given a TeleMedicine system called TeleSynergy.
The TeleSynergy system is used for real time transmittal of audio and video data for consultation purposes that allows physicians at LMC to collaborate with professionals at other participating facilities regardless of distance and time. In addition to voice and video transmission, TeleSynergy allows for sharing x-ray images, biopsy slides interpretation using a microscope, and a camera that allows for remote patient examination.
At the center of the workstation is CODEC, a dual processor PC, whose main function is to compress and decompress outgoing and incoming audio and video for proper transmission of data. Attached to CODEC are a variety of imaging peripherals that include an Olympus microscope, patient exam camera, color video, printer, radiology monitors, and document camera which allow for images to be viewed in virtually diagnostic quality. By allowing face-to-face consultation, image transmissions, and providing a telemedicine platform, researchers are able to work collectively to appropriate treatment and reach other conclusions on cancer patient care.
“The project ensures that the needs of minority populations in the U.S. are squarely in the spotlight of the NCI and allows properly designed and conducted clinical trials to be available to the predominantly Hispanic population of Laredo and Webb County,” said Dr. Bains.
“ Laredo appears to have a higher incidence of certain cancers, including gastric and cervix cancer,” said Charles R. Thomas Jr., M.D., associate professor and vice chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Health Science Center .
Several patients face barriers keeping them from participating in clinical trials, resulting in the lack of sufficient studies and findings within the Hispanic population. The presence of TeleSynergy in the Laredo area will assist LMC to better serve a population facing ill-balanced representation in healthcare and health studies.
