Telemedicine in primary care in Israel

Abstract

A primary-care teleconsulting system was established between an academic family medicine centre and a clinic about 50 km away. The videoconferencing units were connected at 384 kbit/s. Seven patients were examined by a physician in the clinic and then examined by a consulting physician using the telemedicine system. Four other patients were examined through the telemedicine system first and by a local physician later. The telemedicine consultation solved five of the patients' medical problems. The waiting period before receiving expert medical consultation was reduced. There was full patient satisfaction regarding this method of consultation, patient 'run around' was avoided and patients felt at ease. The telemedicine consultation process improved the patient-physician bond and the attending physician's level of confidence.