IBM creates new data sharing technology
ARMONK, N.Y. (UPI) — IBM scientists in the United States and Israel announced creation of a technology that standardizes the method of sharing health information.
Company officials said the first of its kind system was created in collaboration with the Nuclear Threat Initiative’s Global Health and Security Initiative and the Middle East Consortium on Infectious Disease Surveillance. It also automates the analysis of infectious disease outbreaks to help contain diseases and minimize their impact.
IBM said the secure, Web-based portal system — The Public Health Information Affinity Domain — is being deployed in the Middle East first, and the partners are pushing for international deployment.
Scientists at IBM’s Almaden, N.Y., headquarters and its Haifa labs in Israel said the technology allows public health organizations to implement a fast, effective response to infectious disease outbreaks — even across geographic and political boundaries with protection of privacy at all levels.
“This collaboration writes the newest chapter in a story of healthcare information technology innovation — innovation that progressively tackles head-on the lack of integration and communication between key players in the healthcare industry worldwide,” said Dan Pelino of IBM.
Copyright 2008 by United Press International
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