Provider acceptance of telemedicine systems in remote areas of Ontario.

Telemedicine, the use of telecommunications technology to assist in the delivery of health care, is an increasingly popular solution to some of the problems faced by rural residents in obtaining health care. Since September 1, 1977, the Sioux Lookout Zone in northwestern Ontario has been experimenting with slow-scan video equipment as part of its health care delivery system. The attitudes of the providers who use the system were surveyed. The nurses were positive about slow-scan video as an aid in the delivery of health care; however, the physicians were less enthusiastic. This difference can be explained by physicians' having had more extensive training than the nurses, and therefore not feeling the same need for medical backup and support. Both nurses and physicians had more positive attitudes toward the system after experience with it.