Design and initial implementation of a regional tele-oncology project

Two tele-oncology projects have been in progress since 1997 in the Province of Trento in north-east Italy. The common aim of the projects concerns the design and the implementation of a non-surgical tele-oncology system inten ded to provide a flexible computing environment for the joint management of oncology patients in a wide-area network. The two projects involve both ho spital specialists and general practitioners treating oncological patients. The first phase of the project involves the design and implementation of t he oncology teleconsultation service.