MIE 2002 is the XVIIth international conference of the European Federation of Medical Informatics. Today, mankind builds up the information society, enabled by the underlying rapid development in computer technology. The significance of the spread of the internet is comparable to the significance of Gutenberg's invention. On one hand it both helps dissemination of data and knowledge and sharing of ideas. On the other hand the achievements may divide the society, as did non-literacy deprive many people from knowledge throughout centuries. Today millions of people are isolated from an incredibly large amount of information because of "computer non-literacy," and a new elite mastering the information society has appeared. However, the ease of production and dissemination of information may foster thoughtless communication, and has lead to a flood of information and disinformation. We have to learn how to behave in this new situation, in which the dissemination of information - at an international level - is totally uncontrolled. In the area of medical or health informatics these questions are more serious. Lack of information, false or inadequate information, as well as improper interpretation of accurate information may seriously harm patients. And the process may go out of control of the physician, i.e. patients can "treat" themselves just by visiting some health sites on the net. Everybody may throw a message in a bottle in information flood, and everybody may pick up messages at any time. Can we do anything to ensure that all messages are valid? Can we guarantee that our messages reach the intended audience? Can we secure that content has not changed on its way? Do we know that people getting our messages will interpret them correctly? Are we able to understand the intention of a sender, when we get a message totally out of context? These questions build up the framework of MIE2002.

Study of Marker Placements in the Back for Opto-electronic Motion Analysis -- User Friendly Computer Profilometry -- Surgery is Performed for Cosmetic Reasons -- Surgery is Performed for Functional Improvements -- Session 4: 3D Imaging -- Evaluation of the Efficiency of Patient Stabilization Devices for 3D X-ray Reconstruction of the Spine and Rib Cage -- Semi-Automatic Landmark Detection in Digital X-Ray Images of the Spine -- Does Transverse Apex Coincide with Coronal Apex Levels (Regional or Global) in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis? -- Correlation Study between Indices Describing the Scoliotic Spine -- Simplified Calibration System for Stereoradiography in Scoliosis -- Rule-based Algorithm for Automated King-Type Classification of Idiopathic Scoliosis -- Augmented Reality in Spine Surgery. Critical Appraisal and Status of Development -- The Orientation of the Plane of MaximumDeformity of a Scoliotic Curve -- Modelling and Analysis of Vertebra Deformations with Spherical Harmonics -- Validation of the NSCP Technique on Scoliotic Vertebrae -- 3D Reconstruction and Analysis of the Vertebral Body Line -- 3D Reconstruction of the Pelvis Using the NSCP Technique -- Automatic Measurement of Scapula Position and Movement Using Rasterstereography -- Image Coding Technique for 3-D Back Reconstruction -- Ultra Low Dose X-ray Spinal Examinations -- Comparison of Rasterstereographs with MR Scans in Scoliotic Patients -- Session 5: 3D Location of the Rib Prominence and its Importance in the Treatment of Scoliotic Deformities -- 3D location of the Rib Prominence and its Importance in the Treatment of Scoliotic Deformities -- Session 6: Conservative Treatment -- Relationships between Strap Tension, Interface Pressures and Spine Correction in Brace Treatment of Scoliosis

This book is an introduction into methodology and practice of analysis, design and implementation of distributed health information systems. Special attention is dedicated to security and interoperability of such systems as well as to advanced electronic health record approaches. In the book, both available architectures and implementations but also current and future innovations are considered. Therefore, the component paradigm, UML, XML, eHealth are discussed in a concise way. Many practical solutions specified and implemented first in the author's environment are presented in greater detail. The book addresses information scientists, administrators, health professionals, managers and other users of health information systems.

Presents the broad outline of NIH organizational structure, theprofessional staff, and their scientific and technical publications covering work done at NIH.

The annual EuroRec Working Conference has become the traditional gathering for all the partners involved on the scene of Electronic Health Records (EHRs). Questions include Which solutions are available for communicating EHRs in hospital and ambulatory care? [Ed.].