[Teleconsultation 2001--report of the Teleconsultation Study Circle of the Austrian Roentgen Society (ORG)].
In 1997, the working group "Teleconsultation" of the Austrian Roentgen Society (ORG) has performed a first survey about the status of teleradiological applications in Austria. Now, in 2001, a second survey was performed in order to adapt the ORG's approach in this field to the most actual needs. Most of the 38 teleradiological projects in Austria already working or shortly before inauguration are aiming at an improvement of the medical service in favour of our patients (expert consultation, image transfer to doctors requesting radiological examinations, clinical case discussion). However, a small but not unimportant fraction of teleradiology projects in Austria (11%) is performed for replacement of radiologists on duty, therefore for reasons mainly directed to minimising costs for the hospital administration. Other purposes of teleradiology projects, like quality assurance and medical education have even lost their small importance the 1997 survey already has shown. This paper discusses the professional implications from the results of the 2001 survey and the legal framework for the application of telecommunication in diagnostic radiology. The most important goal of all professional activities in radiology is the well-being of our patients, based on the immediacy of the medical profession in accordance with the "physician law".
Hruby
W
W
Institut für Röntgendiagnostik, Ludwig-Boltzmann-Institut für Digitale Radiographie und Interventionelle Radiologie, Donauspital des Sozialmedizinischen Zentrums Ost der Stadt Wien, Langobardenstrasse 122, 1220 Wien/Osterreich.
Pärtan
G
G
Newrkla
St
S
Lomoschitz
K
K
Mosser
H
H
D001317:Austria; D003363:Cost Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000639:trends; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000639:trends; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000639:trends; D019114:Remote Consultation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000639:trends*; D019112:Teleradiology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000639:trends*