Using GIS for spatial analysis of rectal lesions in the human body

Abstract Background Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have been used in a wide variety of applications to integrate data and explore the spatial relationship of geographic features. Traditionally this has referred to features on the surface of the earth. However, it is possible to apply GIS in medicine, at the scale of the human body, to visualize and analyze anatomic and clinical features. In the present study we used GIS to examine the findings of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), a minimally-invasive procedure to locate and remove both benign and cancerous lesions of the rectum. Our purpose was to determine whether anatomic features of the human rectum and clinical findings at the time of surgery could be rendered in a GIS and spatially analyzed for their relationship to clinical outcomes. Results Maps of rectal topology were developed in two and three dimensions. These maps highlight anatomic features of the rectum and the location of lesions found on TEM. Spatial analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between anatomic location of the lesion and procedural failure. Conclusion This study demonstrates the feasibility of rendering anatomical locations and clinical events in a GIS and its value in clinical research. This allows the visualization and spatial analysis of clinical and pathologic features, increasing our awareness of the relationship between anatomic features and clinical outcomes as well as enhancing our understanding and management of this disease process. </p

Using Geographic Information Systems to Solve Community Problems

This article describes how the technology of geographic information systems (GIS) can be used as a tool to integrate various types of community-level data to address local problems. The purpose of the article is to present an approach that can be replicated by others. This approach is based on community-wide collaborative sharing of resources, data, and research applications with an aim to enhance the health and well-being of the local area population. Although the example used relates to health, the approach can be used to deal with any “event” or series of events in the community. </jats:p

Census Data for Health Preparedness and Response

The epidemiologist works with researchers in various disciplines as well as public and private health practitioners who are responsible for maintaining and improving the health of the population. Health is defined as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”(WHO, 1948). The role of the epidemiologist is to provide information on the extent, etiology and risk of disease or injury. Key to this role is knowledge of the location, size and demographic makeup of the population at risk for developing disease or injury. By integrating this information with the location of cases as well as risk factors, epidemiologists can make a vital contribution to disease and injury prevention, intervention and response. This applies both to endemic or “usual” levels of both chronic diseases like cancer or heart disease and infectious diseases like pneumonia or influenza, and injuries like gunshot wounds or motor vehicle accidents. It also applies to disease epidemics or outbreaks like SARS; attacks by biological or chemical weapons such as Anthrax, ricin or sarin; and inadvertent natural or technological disasters including earthquakes, transportation disasters or widespread power interruptions. This chapter explores the types of census data for disease surveillance, prevention and intervention. </jats:p