Just 20 years ago, providing healthcare services using telecommunications seemed more science fiction than reality. In 2007, however, many U.S. hospitals are beginning to implement telemedicine programs, allowing, for example, specialists in off-site locations to provide consulting services to onsite physicians. Providing healthcare services through telemedicine creates a unique set of challenges for healthcare organizations, including acquiring new technology and ensuring the quality of telemedicine services, according to ECRI (www.ecri.org), a non-profit healthcare research institute.

Facilities that use telemedicine must have a mechanism to identify errors in transmission and to verify the appropriateness of radiology images that are transmitted, ECRI's risk management analysts say in a new 16-page report. The report includes recommendations on issues such as requirements for credentialing and privileging for telemedicine providers, informed consent, and liability issues arising out of the physician-patient relationship.

Safeguarding the integrity, security, and privacy of healthcare information that is transmitted and stored electronically is another important aspect of providing telemedicine services that facilities must consider, according to the report.
Current members of ECRI's Healthcare Risk Control (HRC) System received the Risk Analysis "Telemedicine" in their January mailing, and they can also access it on the enhanced HRC Members' Web site. Nonmembers can purchase the report for $75.

The HRC System is a comprehensive resource that addresses many risk exposures for risk managers and patient safety officers involved in all areas of healthcare, from hospitals and health systems to managed care organizations and integrated delivery systems. ECRI has nearly 40 years of experience in advising healthcare organizations on reducing liability exposure and providing quality healthcare.

To purchase "Telemedicine," or for more information about becoming a member of the HRC System, contact Sharon Murphy, smurphy(at)ecri.org; by telephone at (610) 825-6000, ext. 5145; by mail at ECRI, 5200 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1298, USA; or by fax at (610) 834-1275.

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