[Experiences with teleradiology in general practice in Oppland]

Our aim was to evaluate one year of operation of a newly established teleradiology service for people in Mid- and North Gudbrandsdalen (30,000 inhabitants). In Otta, one radiographer works with digital pictures (phosphorus plate technology). Pictures are sent to the local hospital in Lillehammer (115 kilometres away) by a broadband network (for health services only) for radiological evaluation.

We have measured the scope of the service, patient satisfaction, management stability and efficiency, and financial aspects (the latter are not included in this article).

Over one year we have examined 3,081 persons (skeleton, thorax, sinuses). A majority of patients (90%) thought it was better for them to be examined at Otta. Waiting time was short, rarely more than one week. No re-examinations due to insufficient picture quality were required. Some expected and some unexpected problems occurred. Pictures from 37 patients were lost and could not be radiologically evaluated. The lead time from when pictures were taken to when the requisitioning doctor received the report, was too long (one to three weeks). The digital pictures are not easily available to hospital physicians. Copies must be made on film.

Our experience is positive. Most problems will be solved by storing copies at Otta, by better organisation of the radiologic service, and by establishing a digital picture archiving and communication system (PACS) at the hospital.