title: Telemedicine--contribution of ICT to health.
abstract: ICT opens new possibilities to health care and practice of medicine, but carries some inherent risks as well. Based on a study conducted by the CPME representing European doctors current telemedical practices and difficulties encountered by doctors are reported and next important steps are proposed. An European e-Health Highway should be built and obligatory standards for it and for all software used in the health care should be urgently fixed. The medical profession should take care of practical guidelines for doctors, and authorities should agree on international collaboration to supervise the practice of medicine over the net. Telemedicine should be a normal part of the national healthcare systems, and telemedical services should be reimbursed as any other medical services.
authors.affiliation: Finnish Medical Association.
authors.forename: Markku
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aärimaa
mesh_terms: D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D005062:European Union; D006801:Humans; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000592:standards