TELEMEDICINE - LESSONS REMAIN UNHEEDED

Telemedicine, the delivery of health care with the patient and health professional at different locations, has been around for over 30 years . Its driving force has been developments in communications technology , and as new communications systems are developed health applications are proposed such as supporting the delivery of primary health care to geographically remote areas or regions underserved through the maldis tribution of professional expertise. Despite rapid technological advan ces, evaluations of such systems have been largely superficial, and mo re thorough evaluations have failed to show significant advantages for more advanced and expensive technology over older technology such as the telephone. Methods for evaluating the impact of particular technol ogies on the health care system need to be developed and clearer benef its shown in terms of improved standards of care.