[University clinics as centers of radiologic performance alliances in the ambulatory and inpatient sector].
OBJECTIVE
Health care delivery in Germany has to face severe challenges that will lead to a closer integration of services for in- and out-patients. University hospitals play an important role due to their activities in research, education and health care delivery. They are requested to promote and evaluate new means and ways for health care delivery.


METHODS
The Institute of Clinical Radiology at the University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University started teleradiological services for hospitals and general practices in January 1999 in the framework of the "Imaging services--teleradiological center of excellence". Legal, technical and organizational prerequisites were analyzed.


RESULTS
Networks between university hospitals and general practices are not likely to solve all future problems. They will, however, increase the availability of the knowledge of experts even in rural areas and contribute to a quality ensured health care at the patients home. Future developments may lead to international co-operations and such services may be available to patients abroad.


CONCLUSIONS
Legal, technical and organizational obstacles have to be overcome to create a framework for high quality telemedical applications. University hospitals will play an important role in promoting and evaluating teleradiological services.
Adelhard
K
K
Institut für Medizinische Informationsverarbeitung, Biometrie und Epidemiologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 München. ade@ibe.med.uni-muenchen.de
Matzko
M
M
Brüning
R
R
Holzknecht
N
N
Stark
V
V
Reiser
M
M
D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000639:trends; D005544:Forecasting; D005858:Germany; D006755:Hospital Shared Services / Q000639:trends*; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000639:trends; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000639:trends*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000639:trends; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000639:trends; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital / Q000639:trends*; D019114:Remote Consultation / Q000639:trends; D019112:Teleradiology / Q000639:trends*