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Select the first letter of the word from the list above to jump to
appropriate section of the glossary. If the term you are looking for starts
with a digit or symbol, choose the '#' link (currently empty).
See also: The
Glossary of the Telehealth Association of Ontario and Matisse Enzer's Glossary of Internet Terms.
Acoustic Data Transmission - Sending voice or other sounds via
telephone lines, video cable, or other media.
Alarm - An audio tone (sometimes accompanied by a visual signal) issued
by a tele-health device to alert the user of a scheduled event or an emergency.
Algorithm - Mathematical coding scheme for compressing audio or video
signals to permit transmission over less costly lower bandwidths.
Analogue Signal - A continuous electrical signal in the form of waves
that vary as the source of information varies (e.g, as the contrast in an image
varies from light to dark). It is represented by continuous waveforms that vary
in size and number as the source of the information varies. The variations in
voice, loudness or pitch that a user hears at the other end reflect differences
or fluctuations in the electrical current.
Archiving - A technique to transfer data created during operations into a
more permanent form. Systems range from manual backups, through periodic,
automatic transfer to magnetic tape, to real-tune storage on WORM (Write Once
Read Many) disks.
Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) - is a pair of modems on
either end of a twisted pair copper line that provides asymmetric transmission
of data. ADSL doesn’t really refer to the line but the modems that connect the
line into a high-speed pipe.
Asynchronous Communication - Two-way communication in which there can be
a time delay between when a message is sent and when it is received.
Asynchronous communication Two-way communication in which there can be a time
delay between when a message is sent and when it is received.
Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) - Narrowly defined, a particular
mechanism by which cells are queued and switched through a cell switch. More
broadly, the entire set of protocols and equipment associated with cell based
communications networks. These networks are capable of transmitting voice, data,
and video traffic simultaneously using a statistical multiplexing scheme.
Audio-teleconferencing - two-way voice communication between two
or more people at two or more locations.
Auto-dialler - Component of a PERS or other device enabling it to dial
programmed telephone numbers in response to an alarm or other event.
Automated Data Collection - Direct transfer of physiological data from
monitoring instruments to either a bedside display system or a computer-based
patient record.
Auxiliary Equipment - Devices configured to a tele-health system to
improve image quality, provide image storage, and permit image manipulation or
distribution.
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Backbone network - a high-speed transmission facility designed to
interconnect lower speed distribution channels.
Back-up Power Supply - External rechargeable battery power source
capable of operating a PC and peripherals for a short period in the event of
a loss of primary electrical service.
Bandwidth - A measure of the information carrying capacity of a
communication channel; a practical limit to the size, cost, and capability
of telemedicine service. It is usually described in Bps (bits per second).
Base Unit - The main component of a personal emergency response
system housing the speaker phone, auto-dialler, and other circuitry.
Battery Back-up - Replaceable or rechargeable power source capable of
operating a PERS or similar system for up to 24 - 48 hours.
Baud - A unit of digital transmission signalling speed of information
transmission; the highest number of single information elements (bits)
transferred between two devices (such as modems or fax machines) in one
second.
Bit (Binary Digit) - Basic unit of information used by computers for
data entry, transfer, and storage; the smallest possible unit of information
making up a character or a word in digital code processed by computers.
Telecommunications transmission rates are usually expressed in terms of
bits.
Board - A printed circuit component.
BPS (Bits Per Second) - The number of data bits transferred second
between two telecommunications devices.
Bps The number of binary digits transmitted per second in a data
communication system.
Broadband - Signifies a telecommunications network able to transmit
data, video, and voice over a broad radio frequency spectrum; a high
capacity communications medium.
Bulletin Board Service (BBS) - a computer service that allows remote
users to access a central "host" computer via a remotely located
computer to read and post electronic messages.
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Cable Modem - a modem designed for use on a TV coaxial cable
circuit.
Card - A small printed plug-in circuit board containing an entire
circuit that can be changed to upgrade or modify a device’s functions.
Carrier - The basic continuous frequency signal transmitted over
telephone line to transfer data.
CATV (Community Antenna Television) - Local cable-based video network
also capable of providing telephone service.
Central Station - See monitoring centre
CHIN (Community Health Information Network) - Utility providing
on-line access to dispersed patient records or information at provider
sites.
Chip (AKA Microchip) - An integrated circuit (IC) consisting of
electronic components and their connections on silicon or similar material.
Clinical Information System - Hospital-based information system
designed to collect and organise data related to the care given to a
patient, rather than administrative data.
Coaxial Cable - (AKA Coax) A telecommunications medium able to handle
wide bandwidths and resist interference.
Codec - A "code/Decode" electrical device that converts an
analogue electrical signal in to a digital form for transmission purposes
and then converts it back at the other end.
Common Carrier - A telecommunications company regulated by government
agencies that offers communications relay services to the general public via
shared circuits, charging published and non-discriminatory rates.
Communication Multiplexer - A device that allows data from multiple,
lower speed communication lies to share a single higher communication path.
Compatibility - The ability for computer programs and computer
readable data to be transferred from one hardware system to another without
losses, changes, or extra programming; two pieces of hardware (e.g., a
personal computer an a printer) are compatible if they can operate together.
Standards, published specifications of procedures, equipment interfaces, and
data formats, are the key to reducing and eventually perhaps eliminating
incompatibility. Suppliers that ensure that their telecommunications,
hardware, and software products comply with a standard can expect those
products to be compatible with the products of other suppliers that have
adhered to the same standard.
Component Video - A method of colour video transmission that produces
high image quality with better resolution and colour than composite video.
Composite Video - A method of colour video transmission that
conserves bandwidth but is subject to interference and poorer image quality
than component video.
Compressed Video - Video images that have been processed to reduce
the amount of bandwidth needed to capture the necessary information so that
the information can be sent over a telephone network.
Compression - Use of a mathematical algorithm to reduce the size of
data, audio, or video transmissions for greater speed or use of lower
bandwidths.
Computer conferencing Group - communications through computers, or
the use of shared computer files, remote terminal equipment, and
telecommunications channels for two-way, real-time communication.
Computer-Based Patient Record (CPR) - A compilation in electronic
form of individual patient information that resides in a system designed to
provide access to complete and accurate patient data, alerts, reminder,
clinical decision support systems, links to medical knowledge, and other
aids; also known as Electronic Patient Record (EPR).
Configuration - How software, hardware, or a system as a whole is set
up to operate or function; a particular combination of devices.
Connectivity - It is helpful to think of telecommunications in terms
of two questions: "Can we send and receive information between these
two locations/devices/business services?" and "Can the transmitted
information be interpreted and processed?" The first question relates
to connectivity, the second to integration.
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Data Compression - Processing data to reduce storage and bandwidth
requirements. Some compression methods result in the loss of some
information, which may or may not be clinically important.
Data Repository - The component of an information system that
accepts, files, and stores data from a variety of sources.
DAX (Digital Exchange) - A computerised digital cross connection that
allows specific channels from high capacity lines to split out separately
and be redirected.
Dedicated Line - Permanent connection between two telephones or PBXs
(see private branch exchange, below); the signal does not need to be
switched.
Demarc (Demarcation Point) - Site (i.e., jack or panel) in a building
where the telephone company’s responsibility ends and the customer’s
begins.
Digital - Discrete signals such as those represented by bits as
opposed to continuously variable analogue signals. Digital technology allows
communication signals to be compressed for more efficient transmission.
Digital Camera - Captures still or moving images digitally for ready
transmission or storage via computer.
Digital Discrete Signals - such as those represented by bits as
opposed to continuously variable analogue signals. Digital technology allows
communications signals to be compressed for more efficient transmission.
Digital Imaging and Communication Standards (DICOM) - A set of
protocols describing how radiology images are identified and formatted.
Digitising - conversion of analogue into digital information.
Dip (Dual In-line Package) Switch - A tiny switch on a circuit board
providing a means of selecting or setting device functions.
Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) - A satellite designed with
sufficient power so that inexpensive earth stations, or downlinks, can be
used for direct residential or business reception.
Direct Capture - involves the capture of digital images (e.g., an MRI)
so that they can be electronically transmitted. This is in contrast to an
x-ray that is first made into film and then scanned for digitisation to send
or store.
Dish - a parabolic antenna that is the primary element of a satellite
earth station, or downlink.
Distribution Amplifier - Device used to transmit a single video
transmission to several locations or devices.
Download - Transfer of programming instruction, patient education
information, or other files from the provider to the home tele-health
system.
DSI - A digital carrier capable of transmitting 1.544 Mpbs of
electronic information. Also known as T1; the general term for a digital
carrier available for high-value voice, data, or compressed video traffic.
DTMF (Dual Tone Modulated Frequency) - Refers to the tones used by
touch-tone telephones.
Duplex - Data communications capable of simultaneous two way
transfer.
Duplex Audio - Two way simultaneous audio or voice communication.
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Encryption - the rearrangement of the bit stream of a previously
digitally encoded signal in a systematic fashion to make it unrecognisable
until it is restored by the necessary authorisation key. Encoding
information to assure security prior to transmission. This technique is used
for securing information transmitted over a communication channel with the
intent of excluding all other than the authorised receivers from
interpreting the message.
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FDA 510K - Food and Drug Administration (FDA, US) approval.
Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) - A high-speed fibre optic
network which has state-of-the-art bandwidth.
Film Digitizer - A device that allows scanning of existing still
images so that the images can be stored, manipulated or transmitted in
digital form.
Firewall Computer - hardware and software that lock unauthorised
communications between an institution’s computer network and external
networks.
Footprint - The geographic region on the earth underneath a satellite
which is in the appropriate range to receive that satellite’s information.
Frame Relay - A streamlined process of sending and acknowledging
transmitted packets of data which improves the rate of data transfer
compared to previous transmission protocols.
Freeze-Frame (Slow Scan) - A method of transmitting still images over
standard telephone lines at a rate of one every 8 to 30 seconds.
Full-motion Video - A standard video signal that can be transmitted
by a variety of means including television broadcast, microwave, fibre
optics, and satellite. Full-motion video traditionally requires 6 Mhz in
analogue format and 90 Mbps when encoded digitally.
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Half Duplex - One way at a time audio or voice communication.
Hard Wired - Permanent or semi-permanent connection of an electronic
device to a telecommunications port.
Hardware - Physical equipment used in data processing, as opposed to
computer programs and associated documentation.
Health Care Information Infrastructure (HCII) - A subset of the
National Information Infrastructure
Health Level-7 Data Communications Protocol (HL-7) - Defines
standards for transmitting billing, hospital census, order entries, and
other health-related information. A protocol designed to allow different
hospital and clinic information systems to exchange information in the form
of messages.
High Definition Television (HDTV) - An advanced television system
that produces video images as clear as high-quality photography.
High Performance Computing and Communications Program (HPCC) - A
federal, coordinated, interagency research and development effort designed
to accelerate the availability and utilisation of the next generation of
high performance computers and networks.
Home Tele-Health (HTH) - The use of telecommunications by a home care
provider to link patients or customers to one or more out-of-home sources of
care information, education, or service by means of telephones, computers,
interactive television, or some combination of each.
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IATV or ITV (Interactive Tele-video) - A form of video conferencing
involving simultaneous audio transmission and video display between two or
more sites.
Image Processing - Use of algorithms to modify data representing an
image, usually to improve diagnostic interpretation.
Image Technology - Refers to the general category of computer
applications that convert documents, illustrations, photographs, and other
images into data that can be stored, distributed, accessed, and processed by
computers and special-purpose workstations.
Informatics - The application of computer science and information to
the management and processing of data, information, and knowledge.
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) - A digital
telecommunications technology that allows for the integrated transmission of
voice, data, and video; a protocol for high-speed digital transmission.
Interface - The exchange of information between two devices or the
connection that makes such an exchange possible.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) - A telecommunications
standard permitting the simultaneous transmission of data with voice and
video- permits higher data transmission speeds (64 - 128 Kbps) than POTS.
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KBPS (Kilobits per Second) - One thousand bits per second.
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Leased Line (Dedicated lines) - Lines rented from a telephone
company for the exclusive use of a customer. A continuously open (no dial
up) point-to-point line used exclusively for a telecommunications link
between two systems for a flat monthly charge that does not vary with usage.
LED (Light Emitting Diode) - A semi-conductor diode that lights when
a current is passed through it to indicate that a device is receiving or
sending a signal.
Line Splitter - Device used to give second line access to a single
port modular phone jack for installation of a tele-health system.
Local Access Transport Area (LATA) - Local telephone service areas
created by the divestiture of the Regional Bell Operating Companies formerly
associated with AT&T (US).
Local Area Network (LAN) - Private networks that facilitate the
sharing of information and computer resources by members of a specific
group.
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MBPS (Megabits per Second) - One million bits per second.
Medical Informatics - The combination of computer science,
information science, and medicine designed to assist in the management and
processing of data to support the delivery of healthcare.
Message Switching - A message (image or text) divided into many parts
that are then transmitted separately to the receiver where they are put back
together to form the message.
MHz (Megahertz) - 1000 KHz; used to express transmitter frequency.
Modem - Stands for modulator/demodulator. This device converts
digital information into analogue form for transmission over a
telecommunication channel and reconverts it to digital form at the point of
reception.
Monitored Medication Dispensing Systems (MMDS) - A programmable
device for scheduled dispensing of medications which alerts an off-site
monitoring station of patient non-compliance by means of a coded telephone
message.
Monitoring Centre/Station - A remote central telecommunications
facility that receives, processes, and responds to incoming alarm signals
and other coded messages from home tele-health systems (= a Response
Centre).
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Off Line - Signifies that a telecommunications device is not
connected to another such device or means of transmission.
On Line - Signifies that a telecommunications devices is connected to
another such device or means of transmission.
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PACS - Picture archiving and communications
systems: systems for the acquisition, transmission, sharing and viewing,
storage and retrieval of digital images (X-ray, CT, MRI) over a network.
Patient Tele-Monitoring Systems (PTMS) - A configuration involving
the input of patient physiological data at scheduled intervals to a device
that either has telecommunications capability or attaches to a standard
telephone for transmission.
Pendant - Mini-transmitter worn by user around the neck.
Peripheral Equipment - In a data processing system, any equipment,
distinct from the central processing unit, that may provide the system with
outside channel communication or additional facilities.
Peripherals - Devices connected to a tele-health system to expand its
capability.
Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) - An automated dialling
system which can transmit one or more coded messages to a remote monitoring
station when activated by the user or by a sensor (e.g., air temperature,
smoke or fire).
Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) - A system that
acquires, transmits, stores, retrieves and displays digital images and
related patient information from a variety of imaging sources and
communicates that information over a network.
Point of Care - Site of tele-health care delivery, e.g., the home.
Point of Use - Site of review or evaluation of an incoming video or
other file or transmission of data or information.
Point-to-Point - Describes system connection or communication linkage
(e.g., home to agency).
Port - A point of connection between two devices; a network entry/end
point.
POTS (Plain Old Telephone System) - The standard analogue public
telephone network that can carry voice and data transmission- typically
permits data transmission at 33.6 Kbps.
Private Branch Exchange (PBX) - A private telephone exchange that
serves a particular organisation and has connections to the public telephone
network.
Programmable - System feature permitting the provider to effect
on-site or remote changes to the operating routine of a device or system.
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Real Time - Signifies the near simultaneous sending and receiving
of data, audio, and/or video with only a fraction of a second delay.
Receiver - Component of a PERS or other HTH system which receives
coded signals from a transmitter (e.g., pendant) for transmission to a
monitoring centre by means of an auto-dialler.
Resolution - Signifies the degree of image or graphic detail that can
be displayed on a monitor.
RJ11 Modular Jack - Registered Jack; the common modular connector
used for faxes and modems and household telephones.
Rural Area Networks (RANs) - Shared-usage networks, configured to
include a wide range of users in rural communities, such as educational,
health, and business entities.
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Soft Keys - A limited function keypad permitting the user to enter
a preset range of information to a device.
Split-Screen Generator - Device that enables the display of two or
more video images from different sources on a single monitor.
Standard Television Set - Household TV used to receive video via POTS
or CATV; such tele-health configurations usually use a touch-tone phone for
audio transmission and alphanumeric data entry by means of the keypad.
Store-and-Forward - Transmission of static images or audio-video
clips to a remote data storage device, from which they can be retrieved by a
medical practitioner for review and consultation at any time, obviating the
need for the simultaneous availability of the consulting parties and
reducing transmission costs due to low bandwidth requirements.
Synchronous Transmission - The process by which bits are transmitted
at a fixed rate with the transmitter and receiver synchronised, eliminating
the need for stop/start elements.
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T1 - A digital carrier capable of transmitting 1.544 Mbps of
electronic information. High-value voice, data or compressed video.
Tele - Prefix meaning "distant." Used to describe delivery
of services to individuals remote from the source, e.g., tele-pharmacy, tele-psychology,
teleradiology, or tele-nursing.
Telecommunications - Communicating voice, video, and/or from a
distance using telephone, cable, Internet, microwave, or radio.
Tele-conference - An interactive, real time conversation, usually
involving parties linked by a telecommunications medium (e.g., speaker
phones and microphone amplification systems balancing audio input).
Teleconsultation - Geographic separation between two or more
providers during a consultation.
Telediagnosis - The detection of a disease by evaluating data
transmitted to a receiving station form instruments monitoring a distant
patient.
Telemedicine - the use of telecommunications for the purpose of
transmitting or exchanging medical data and delivering medical assessment,
diagnosis, or care. The use of audio, video, and other telecommunications
and electronic information processing technologies to provide health
services or assist health care personnel at distant sites (another
definition).
Telementoring - The use of audio, video, and other telecommunications
and electronic information processing technologies to provide individual
guidance or instruction, for example, involving a consultant guiding a
distant clinician in a new medical procedure.
Telemonitoring - The use of audio, video, and other
telecommunications and electronic information processing technologies to
monitor patient status at a distance.
Tele-patient - A individual "seen" or "visited"
by means of a tele-health system; also used to distinguish an individual who
is appropriate for tele-health program participation as well as one oriented
to use such a system in-home.
Telephony - Transferring voice and or/data by telephone, fax,
Internet, or data transfer using telephone technology and optical cables.
Telepresence - The use of robotic and other devices that allow a
person (e.g., a surgeon) to perform a task at a remote site by manipulation
instruments (e.g., lasers or dental hand pieces) and receiving sensory
information or feedback e.g., pressure akin to that created by touching a
patient) that creates a sense of being present at the remote site and allows
a satisfactory degree of technical performance (e.g., dexterity).
Tele-Video Patient Management Systems (TPMS - A video-phone involving
a standard television set, a digital colour video camera, and a touch-tone
telephone set to create an in-home video-conferencing for voice
communication and the exchange of images of the patient and provider staff.
Tele-visit - An in-home encounter using telephone-only technology to
gather and transmit patient information.
Therapy Tele-Management Systems (TTMS) - A dedicated configuration
involving the on-line real-time continuous monitoring of an in-home therapy
administration which automatically tracks the patient’s signs and adjust
volumes and flows as indicated.
Transmission Speed - The speed at which information passes over the
line; defined in either bits per second (bps) or baud. Plain old telephone
service (POTS) runs at 56Kbps. An ISDN line can run at between 128-384Kbps.
Transmitter - Small battery-powered device capable of sending coded
signals short distances to a receiver in a tele-health device. May be worn
as a pendant or on the wrist. Some systems also use wall-mounted user
activated transmitters.
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UDP - User Datagram Protocol. The connectionless
protocol within TCP/IP that corresponds to the transport layer in the ISO/OSI
reference network model. UDP converts data messages generated by an
application into packets to be sent via IP, but it is "unreliable"
because it does not establish a path between sender and receiver before
transmitting and does not verify that messages have been delivered
correctly. UDP is more efficient than TCP, so it is used for various
purposes.
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Upload - Transfer of stored patient data from the in-home tele-health
system station to the provider or host system.
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Video Conference - Live (real-time) video image display and
audio/voice transmission between two or more locations.
Video Switcher - Device that receives and distributes incoming
transmissions to a selected location.
Video Visit - An in-home visit via an IATV-based home tele-health
system.
Video-frame Grabber - A device that converts an analogue video signal
into a set of digital values.
Video-phone - A stand-alone in-home video camera and telephone
combination that permits interactive audio/video communication over POTS or
ISDN.
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Wide Area Network (WAN) - Data communication networks that provide
long-distance connectivity between separate networks located in different
geographic areas.
Wide Area Telephone Service (WATS) - A telephone service with a flat
rate for measured bulk-rate, long-distance services provided on an incoming
or outgoing basis.
Wireless - Signifies the use of radio, microwave, or infrared signals
by a variety of telecommunications devices (e.g., cellular telephones) to
transmit information without the use of wiring or cabling.
Wireless Installation - Requires no new or additional wiring or
cabling; uses existing available electrical and or telecommunications
connections.
Workstation - Used to describe the configuration of
telecommunications devices in the home and in the provider’s office.
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