[Conditions and success factors of telemedicine innovation]

Telemedicine and health telematics can play a significant role in improving the efficiency of health care systems. Currently, however, the potential of telemedical applications is far from being fully utilized. In the present study, an attempt has been made to identify factors that may aid the further dissemination and general acceptance of telemedical innovations. The results obtained suggest that apart from the factors under the sole control of legislation, and insurance providers, those that can be directly influenced by developers, manufacturers and providers of telemedical applications play an important role. Of particular importance for the successful and lasting use of such applications is the creation of promising business models, aspects of which are considered in the last part of the article.