Posted on: 16 April 2002
The Centre for Health Informatics in Trinity College, supported by its technology partner IBM, has developed an online network for children in hospital called Áit Eile, which will allow young patients to communicate with each other via email, video conferencing and live chat over a secure Internet connection. The system will also allow access to child-friendly medical information which will enable them to research their illness and also locate other children with similar conditions.
Research has shown that children in hospital, especially those suffering from a chronic illness, can experience feelings of isolation, change in family dynamics, depression and loss of peer interaction. Áit Eile will offer hospital-to-hospital, hospital to home, hospital to school and even home-to-home connection allowing parents and children never to be more than a click away.
Through the web portal, the system will provide access to activities and information, such as arts & crafts, educational opportunities and links to favourite websites with appropriate content. The security of the system has been a top priority and appropriate solutions have been incorporated into the overall system design.
Launching this system, Mary Hanafin, TD, Minister for Children said “an initiative like this, gives back a sense of control and empowerment to the children that is so important when they are away from the comfort of their family. It will also help the children make new friends, exchange experiences and maintain relationships even after they leave hospital”.
Commenting at the launch, Professor Jane Grimson, Director, Centre for Health Informatics and Vice-Provost, Trinity College said “Making use of modern technology can address some of the psychosocial issues affecting children who are long-term patients in hospital by creating a virtual environment which will provide for communication, social support, relaxation and entertainment”.
When fully up and running the project will link six hospital schools in Ireland – the National Children’s Hospital, in Tallaght, Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Cork University Hospital, Temple Street Hospital, National Rehabilitation Hospital and Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital and The Barrettstown Gang Camp.
