ed Kingdomö (Woottin, 1996, p. 1375).
Telemedicine is the use of high-tech equipment such as computers and video monitors to diagnose and treat patients remotely (Crump, Kottke, Perednia, Sanders, & Forster, 1997). Telemedicine many applications including sub-specialty consultations, management of patients with chronic illnesses. and patient education.
Woottin (1996) observed that: ôIt is important to understand that telemedicine is process not a technologyö (p. 1376). Telemedicine, however, ôrelies on a variety of technologies ranging from simple systems (eg, telephone, facsimile machines) to complex computer systems (eg, satellite links, integrated services digital network)ö (Balas, et al. (1997, p. 152). Telemedicine, however, ôis more than advanced, real-time conferencing technologies. It includes telephone consultations and transmission of images and data on a æstore and forwardÆ basisö (Balas, et al., 1997, p. 153).
Perednia and Allen (1995) defined telemedicine as ôa diverse collection of technologies and clinical applications. The defining aspect of telemedicine is the use of electronic signals to transfer information from one site to another. Telemedicine systems can be characterized by the type of information sent (such as radiographs or clinical findings) and by the means used to transmit itö (p. 483).
II. Patient Information and Confidentiality in Telemedicine
Problems arise in telemedicine with respect to both the acquisition and verification of patient information (Wilson & Fulmer, 1997). The physical separation of health care provider and patient is the source of each of these problems. Acquisition problems may be addressed effectively through the use of appropriate technology. Verification problems may be dealt with effectively through the training of telemedicine consultants.
The confidentiality of patient information also is at potential risk through the application of the tele...