Establishment and use of a teleconsultation network in ophthalmology

Abstract
A teleconsultation network connecting seven private ophthalmologists, one university ophthalmolgy department, one diabetes department and a research institute is described. Asynchronous (based on Internet e-mail and encryption) and synchronous (based on ISDN-mediated videoconferencing tools) teleconsultations are realized. Legal and security issues are addressed. Complex and rare ophthalmic problems and interdisciplinary (diabetology/ophthalmology) topics are the areas of major communication interest within the network. To meet medicine-related user needs, telemedicine applications must be understood as a complete process, not only as a new technology. First experiences are described.

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