How to develop a low cost, in-house distance learning center for continuing medical education. Part I.

Continuing medical education is essential to improve the quality of health care. Residential courses are expensive for small hospitals but videoconferencing is an economical alternative. Models of distance learning centers are described along with an explanation of INTERNET basics and the use of INTERNET protocol for local area networks (INTRANET). Hardware, software and other technology required and the advantages and disadvantages of different communication methods are reported.