[Teleconsultation network for ophthalmology--experiences and results].

MOTIVATION

Telemedical services for ophthalmology are developed within the OPHTEL project, which has been funded by the European Union and by the Bavarian government in the Bavaria-online initiative.

METHODS

Seven private ophthalmologists, one university eye clinic, one clinical Diabetes center and an informatics research institute are connected within a teleconsultation network. Asynchronous (based on Internet E-Mail) and synchronous (based on ISDN-mediated videoconferencing tools) types of teleconsultations are realized.

RESULTS

86 teleconsultations (62 asynchronous, 23 synchronous) took place within the first 10 months. Complex and rare eye diseases as well as interdisciplinary questions (ophthalmology--diabetology) are the main area of medical communication interest. Legal and security problems are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Telemedical services must be understood as a complete process of medical care on the basis of modern communication technologies, which influences also the management of this process.