ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Teleconsultation services have the potential to improve the communication among different medical care providers and between them and the patient. Increasing effectiveness in the shape of a savings in time or cost is often the result of better communication. METHODS: A study was performed in order to demonstrate the feasibility of teleconsultation services, using the perioperative management of cataract patients as an example, and to provide data on the quality, acceptance and effectiveness of these services in comparison with a control group experiencing normal treatment. RESULTS: Over a period of 3 months 42 patients of the teleconsultation group and 20 controls were studied. There were two referring ophthalmologists and three surgeons. The teleconsultation group had one consultation fewer with the ophthalmic surgeon because of the teleconsultation service. Patient satisfaction was slightly higher using the new technology. Patients would like to see this technique used again should surgery on the second eye become necessary. CONCLUSIONS: Teleconsultation services are ready to support and improve perioperative cataract management. Patients' confidence in their medical treatment was increased by using teleconsultation services. Physicians will expand the use of teleconsultation.
