Teleradiology services for a rural hospital: a case study.

We investigated the perceived quality of teleradiology services offered at a rural hospital in comparison with radiology provided by three other methods: 'circuit riding', an on-site radiologist, and a hybrid arrangement. The research design was a case study, with interviews of administrators, technologists and physicians at the rural hospital, followed by a structured survey of all staff physicians. Responses were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Both interviews and the survey indicated that teleradiology was perceived to be as accurate as on-site film interpretation. All other aspects of the service--efficiency, reports, communications and the overall contribution to patient care--were judged to be poorer than on-site radiology. We conclude that the provision of acceptable teleradiology requires considerable attention to all aspects of the radiology service, with attention to differences in institutional culture and mission, and to communication.