Authors' objectives:

To review the current state of remote imaging in France in order to identify factors governing success and failure.

Authors' results and conclusions: Medical factors: Remote imaging is particularly suitable for teleconsultation in emergency situations (general medicine, neurosurgery, and trauma). Because it leads to changes in medical practice, it needs to be assessed before and throughout use. It is a training tool. Technical factors: The technology used to transmit digital images is available. Security, short transmission times and an ergonomic system are essential. Organisational and human factors: These are the key factors to success. They include good relationships, motivation and availability, and recognition of the doctor to whom images are referred. Work organisation is either hierarchical or a network. The network will function better if a member of staff can be specifically allocated to the system. Regulatory and legal factors: Compliance with ethical and legal obligations is not hindering progress, but formal systems to cover remote imaging need to be introduced.

Authors' recommendations: Remote imaging is particularly suitable for teleconsultation in emergency situation, the technology is available, organisational and human factors are the key factors to success, potential economic benefits have been identified.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.has-sante.fr/

Year Published: 2003

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: France

Organisation Name: L'Agence Nationale d'Accreditation d'Evaluation en Santé

Contact Address: 2 avenue du Stade de France, 93218 Saint-Denis La Plaine Cedex, France. Tel: +33 01 55 93 71 88; Fax: +33 01 55 93 74 35;

Contact Name: sh.leerobin@has-sante.fr

Contact Email: sh.leerobin@has-sante.fr

Copyright: L'Agence Nationale d'Accreditation d'Evaluation en Sante (ANAES)