title: How to do a telemedical consultation.
abstract: In a telemedical consultation, medical information is sought at a distance. Two techniques may be used: asynchronous ('store and forward') and synchronous ('realtime'). Asynchronous consultations have the advantage that the two parties do not have to be available simultaneously; email, for example, has been used successfully for teledermatology. Synchronous consultations depend on communication media such as the telephone, radio or videoconferencing. Successful videoconferencing will involve consideration of four factors: the environment, session initiation, dialogue and session closure. The environment is very important for good-quality consultations and involves planning, equipment and training. Recognizing the advantages and limitations of the available media combined with appropriate planning and training will maximize the utilization of teleconsultations.
authors.affiliation: A&E Department, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, UK. j.ferguson@nhs.net
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ferguson
mesh_terms: D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000523:psychology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019114:Remote Consultation / Q000379:methods*; D049269:Videoconferencing / Q000592:standards*