An evaluation of four telemedicine systems for primary care.

In an evaluation of the efficacy of four two-way telecommunication systems for use in primary care, more than 1,000 patients seeking care at a community health center received an additional remote examination by use of either color television, black and white television, still-frame black and white television, or hands-free telephone. The diagnosis, clinical tests and X rays requested, and proposed patient management were compared to the actual care received by the patients at the health center. There were no significant differences between any of the modes in relation to diagnostic accuracy, time for the diagnostic interview, tests requested, or referral rates.

A clinical evaluation of four alternative telemedicine systems.

A comparison was made of four alternative telecommunication systems used in delivering primary health care to remote populations. The media were color television, black and white television, still frame black and white television, and hands-free telephone. The patient population was that of a large organization in a Canadian province, a major component of a societal system.