Tele-cardiology.
After defining tele-medicine, we describe its situation in the public health service of South Africa and its application to cardiology. Methods of communication relevant to tele-cardiology are outlined, together with their bearing on primary healthcare. The range of tele-cardiological applications to electrocardiology, echocardiology, auscultation, imaging and pathology are indicated. Tele-cardiology's contributions to a range of cardiological problems and types of management are described briefly. Finally, a mention is made of the relevance of tele-medicine to education and the costs related to cardiology, with an indication of some future needs for tele-cardiology.
Tele-Medicine Lead Programme, Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa.
M
M
Molefi
J
J
Fortuin
S
S
Wynchank
D002309:Cardiology / Q000191:economics; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy; D003935:Diagnostic Techniques, Cardiovascular / Q000191:economics; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000191:economics; D013019:South Africa; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods