Tele-rheumatology: telephone follow up and cyberclinic

This paper reviews here the main practical applications of telemedicine with particular reference to telephone care by health professionals to patients. A pilot project of out-patient telephone follow-up service for continuity of ambulatory rheumatology patients is described and recommendations are provided for those keen to develop such a service. In a later section newer technologies such as the potential practical applications of the internet and e-mail are described with the setting up of a cyber project for rheumatology and osteoporosis patients. It is noted that despite enthusiasm and development of such new projects, conventional clinicians need further longer term observation to grasp the advantages and pitfalls before more widespread use of telemedicine becomes commonplace.