Essentials of Telemedicine and Telecare

A. C. Norris, Department of Management Science and Information Systems, University of Auckland, New Zealand.

• Preface Origins and Development Introduction Definitions of Telemedicine, Telehealth and Telecare Origins and Development of Telemedicine Drivers of Telemedicine and Telecare Telemedicine in Developed and Underdeveloped Countries The Future of Telemedicine Summary Scope, Benefits and Limitations of Telemedicine Introduction Types of Telemedicine Patients and Carers Benefits and Limitations of Telemedicine Barriers to Progress Summary Technology of Telemedicine Systems Introduction Information Types and Transmissions Teleconsultation System Components Telecommunications Options Integration and Operational Issues Summary Telemedicine Service Providers and Applications Introduction Mainstream Health Sector Services Commercial Services and Other Agencies Summary Development and Delivery of Telemedicine Services Introduction The Strategic Context of Service Development The Evaluation of Pilot Studies Developing and Delivering a Telemedicine Service Summary Ethical and Legal Aspects of Telemedicine Introduction Confidentiality, Patient Rights and Consent Data Protection and Security Ethical and Legal Aspects of the Internet Telemedical Malpractice Jurisdictional Issues Intellectual Property Rights Summary Telemedicine Books and Web Sites References Index

Norris provides an excellent summary of the telemedicine literature, and much pragmatic advice for those involved in health service implamentation and administration" (British Medical Journal, 4 May 2002) "...Informative and easy to read, it is packed with interesting information and facts. An essential read." (Nursing Times, 18 June 2002)"...The author of this excellent book...has reviewed the subject clearly and thoroughly..." (Family Practice, Vol.19, No.4, 2002)"...explains the main features…potential benefits, and...limitations and barriers." (SciTech Book News, Vol. 26, No. 2, June 2002)"…if you need a detailed working knowledge of the field it will help…" (Primary Health Care, April 2003)