In 1998, a low-cost telemedicine system was established for the British arm
ed forces in Bosnia. It involved a digital camera, computer, email and a te
lephone link between the remote site and the UK. Images were transferred to
a PC and forwarded to specialists in the UK, who replied within 24 hours.
In the first 11 months of use, there were 60 referrals from one remote site
. Clinical management following specialist advice was significantly altered
in a third of these cases, with additional reassurance offered in 13% of c
ases. When other sites were connected the usage of the service doubled. Thi
s inexpensive system provided effective care to our patients, irrespective
of location.