[Hospital without borders--visions of telemedicine]

Transfer the expertise rather than the patient! With the help of a screen and a videocamera the general practitioner requiring expert help in diagnosis is able to consult the specialists directly via the broadband ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), and referrals complemented with audio-visual material can also be transmitted via the network. Modern telemedicine technology enables hospitals to be linked up, advanced information to be transmitted, interpreter services to be enlisted, and continuous postgraduate training to be developed. Thus, time and money can be saved, the patients given better and faster service, and the quality of health care enhanced.