Medical Imaging and Informatics (MIMI 2007)
August 14–16, 2007, Empark Grand Hotel (5*) Beijing, China

Workshop on Ethical, Legal and Socio-Economic (ELSE) Issues in Medical Imaging & Informatics

August 2007

Two members of the ALERT research group, Dr Carlisle George and Dr Penny Duquenoy together with Mr Tony Solomonides of the University of the West of England, hosted a workshop on Ethical, Legal and Socio-Economic (ELSE) Issues in Medical Imaging & Medical Informatics, on August 14–16, 2007 at the Medical Imaging and Informatics (MIMI 2007) conference, Empark Grand Hotel (5*) Beijing, China. The workshop and panel session was chaired by Dr Carlisle George.

The workshop began with Dr Penny Duquenoy who discussed abstract ethical principles and their application to medical imaging. This was followed by Dr Carlisle George who discussed the formalising of principles in legislation focusing on legal issues (data protection, confidentiality, negligence) related to the use of electronic medical data in clinical practice and research. Finally Mr Tony Solomonides discussed a practical example of the impact of a new use of technology – grid computing – on the ELSE (Ethical, Legal and Socio-Economic) spectrum of issues.

The conference was also attended by two other Middlesex University academic staff, Dr Xiaohong Gao served as co-chair and Professor Richard Comley as a member of the International Organising Committee.

Workshop abstract

The focus on the use of existing and new technologies to facilitate advances in medical imaging and informatics (MIMI) is often directed to the technical capabilities and possibilities that these technologies bring. In addition to discussing new methodologies, techniques and applications, however, there is need for a discussion of legal, ethical and social issues surrounding the use and application of technologies in MIMI. Such discussions are important because scientists need to be aware of the legal/regulatory framework which govern various new advances in MIMI research (especially to safeguard patients’ interests), the ethical questions raised by such advances and the impact of these advances on society. This workshop aims to give an understanding of the wider legal, ethical and social issues related to MIMI. It will gather a number of experts in the fields of law, ethics, computing, social science and medical informatics, and will provide an opportunity for participants in both scientific/engineering and medical/clinical communities to discuss the wider implications and effects of their work.

Dr Xiaohong Gao, Dr Carlisle George, Mr Tony Solomonides, Dr Penny Duequnoy & Professor Richard Comley

August 2007