Initial Project Information: GASTER
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GASTER

Gastrointestinal endoscopy applications for standards in telecommunication and research

[ Coordinator(s) ] [ Participants ] [ Project Objectives, ... ] [ Other Characteristics ]

Project Nr: HC 1017 Group: II Project Duration: 36 months
Key words:
Category:Standardised Gastero-intestinal Data Exchange
Summary: Develop multimedia data base on gastro-intestinal endoscopy and test minimal standard terminology for gastroenterology. The data base will be used for the development of computer applications, allowing a more complete information and thus improving quality of care, better follow-up of the patient and decreasing cost. Standards are disseminated and applied through the data base.
Mission:GASTER will make it easier to exchange information recorded in digestive disease diagnosis, by storing it in a multimedia database in the form of standard electronic images and descriptive terminology. After collecting this validated material from separate units in a European electronic network, the project database will be used for the development of computer applications. Pooling of expert information on the treatment of digestive disorders will result in improved care. The database may also support decisions on treatment in individual cases, making it faster and more cost-effective.
URL:

Coordinator(s)

  • Mr. Michel Delvaux
    CHU Rangueil
    Gastroenterology Unit
    1 av. J.Poulheur
    F-31054 Toulouse
    France     		tel: 33 61 32 24 52
    fax: 33 61 28 53 10
    mdelvaux@toulouse.inra.fr
    url:

Participants:

Name of InstitutionCity+Postal CodeCountryRegion
Olympus GmbH Hamburg, D-20097 Germany DE A1
Normed-Verlag Bad Homburg, D-61348 Germany DE 25
CHU Rangueil Toulouse, F-31064 France FR 62
Hospital Valle d'Hebron Barcelona , E-08035 Spain ES 51
A.K. Altona Hamburg, D-22763 Germany DE 6
Istituto Regina Elena Roma, I-00161 Italy IT 6
Erasmus Hospital Brussels, B-1070 Belgium BE 1
AHEPA Gen. Hospital Thessaloniki, GR-54006 Greece GR 14
Freeman Hospital Newcastle, NE7 7DN United Kingdom UK 13
AK Vienna Wien, 1090 Austria AT 3
Klinikum Rechts Isar Munich, D-81765 Germany DE 22
University Hospital Aarhus, DK-8000 Denmark DK 00D
Ospedaliero Fornalori Magenta,I-20013 Italy IT 2

Project Objectives, Summary Description and Anticipated Results

Digestive endoscopy is currently the main diagnostic procedure for investigation of the digestive tract whenever a digestive disease is suspected. In the years 1970-1985, digestive endoscopy was performed with endoscopes equipped with fiberoptic bundles while the last decade was marked by the development of electronic endoscopes, characterized by the presence of a CCD (charge coupled device) at the tip of the endoscope. Therefore, the physician looks at a TV screen to control the procedure and examine in detail the gut wall. Endoscopes examine the foregut until the duodenum and the hingut, up to the 3 last intestinal loops. When the endoscopic workstation comprises a computer, it is possible to acquire electronic images during the endoscopy and use these images as support of the information about the results of the procedure. These numeric images can then be stored in databases containing text attached to them. Starting from these images, one can expect many development for the near future, that will change the management of the patient with digestive diseases. Physicians will become able to exchange images and text related to one patient or one procedure, although they are equipped with different workstations. Therefore, it is obvious that the information exchanged must be written in a standard format that makes it understandable by all the systems. The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy is a scientific society grouping most of the gastroenterologists in Europe and has initiated a research program to develop standards for exchange of images and text. The GASTER project iintends to implement a multimedia database of endoscopic images based on a standard format of images and a standard terminology for descriptive terms. These standards must be validated by use in different endoscopy units. The database will collect images from these centers which will be linked to the coordinating center through a network based on ISDN (fact electronic connection). This database will then be used for the development of computer applications. The output of the GASTER project will bring advances at 3 levels:
  • the physicians will be able to exchange images about the procedures undergone by their patients and will thus obtain a more complete information, improving quality of care. They will also benefit from help-to-decision applications based on validated reference images from the database.
  • At the patient level, the quality of care will be improved through a better circulation of information between the physicians in charge of the patient, thus a better follow-up of the patient and the decrease of redundant examinations.
  • At the level of National Healthcare Systems, the benefit will result from a decrease in cost of care, due to a better follow-up of the patients, the decrease of redundant examinations and the faster decision made to treat the patient. The possibility to consult a database of a scientifically validated images used as reference material will also improve quality control in digestive endoscopy.

Other Characteristics of the Project:

Users involved
Gastroenterology Units in 9 different countries of the EU, performing endoscopic examinations and providing peer review of the scientific aspects of the project.
Technologies and/or approach used
Implementation of a multimedia database by collecting images from the centers through ISDN connections. Validation of the standards for image format and text allowing these exchanges
Expected benefits for the citizen
Developments of applications which will enable a better follow-up of patients with digestive diseases and ensure quality control in healthcare.
Expected benefits for the users of the application
Possibility to exchange images and text generated by the different commercially available devices, through a standard format. Access through on line connection to educational material on these standards.
Expected benefits for the European Industries
Validation of standard formats, terminology and educational material that will be available for inclusion in products generated for applications in the field of digestive endoscopy and related fields, like pathology and video-surgery.
Contribution to EU-policies
Possibility to exchange images and text generated by the different commercially available devices, through a standard format. Access through on line connection to educational material on these standards.

Validation Sites

CHU Rangueil Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées FR
Hosp. Valle d'Hebron Barcelona Cataluña ES
A.K. Altona Hamburg Hamburg DE
Istituto Regina Elena Roma Lazio IT
Erasmus Hospital Brussels Bruxelles Cap. BE
AHEPA Gen. Hosp. Thessaloniki Thessalia GR
Freeman Hospital Newcastle Northumberland,Tyne and Wear UK
AK Vienna Wien Wien AT
Klinikum Rechts Isar Munich Niederbayern DE
University Hospital Aarhus Aarhus AMT DK
Ospedaliero Fornalori Magenta Lombardia - IT

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