The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center - Center for Telemedicine was founded in 1992 under the supervision of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Provost. It was established to (1) be a pioneering force in development and application of telemedicine technologies to healthcare services (2) test technology and telecommunication in clinical settings with rural healthcare providers and (3) research and design leading edge technology and its effectiveness and (4) assists with the deployment and implementation
The OUHSC Center for Telemedicine exists to enhance access to care to under served areas of Oklahoma, and to provide educational opportunities for health care providers. The Center has established itself as a leader in telemedicine not only at the state but also at the regional and national levels. OUHSC Telemedicine has partnered with and assisted in an adviosry role with the Telemedicine Advisory Council, OK Dept. of Corrections, OK State Dept. of Health, OK State Dept. of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Native American Tribes, and numerous healthcare facilities around the state and region.
The OUHSC Center for Telemedicine was actively involved as project manager for the first large scale telemedicine network in the nation. The Oklahoma Telemedicine Network was formed in 1994. This network provided 45 rural hospitals with telemedicine workstations, connectivity to the internet, access to medical libraries at OUHSC and around the country, and the potential to access clinical specialist around the state. On a regional basis, OUHSC Telemedicine has been an active member of the Southern Governors Association Medical Technology Task Force, the Heatland Telehealth Resource Center, and the Telehealth Alliance of Oklahoma. At the National level, the Smithsonian Institute recognized the telephthalmoology effort at OUHSC as one of the 100 significant innovations worldwide in 1996. As an active member of the American Telemedicine Association since the mid 1990's, OUHSC participates in and presents to the special interest groups and conferences hosted by ATA.
Access to medical library resources, Grand Rounds, continuing medical education and continuing education from all HSC colleges are readily available online and widely used by health care providers all across the state. Live synchronous distance education is currently provided by 6 colleges at numerous locations stretching from Idabel to Woodward and Bartlesville to Lawton. Bioterrorism training provided by the College of Public Health and the Southwest Center for Public Health Preparedness in collaboration with the Oklahoma State Dept. of Health is provided at multiple locations across Oklahoma, New Mexico and Colorado and specifically in 40 County Health Dept. offices. Online access to Bioterrorism training and information is available via the OUHSC web site to all healthcare providers.