Many U.S. hospitals are implementing telemedicine programs which create challenges such as acquiring new technology and ensuring the quality of telemedicine services, according to a new report from healthcare research organization ECRI.

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 said. 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.

For more about the Telemedicine report visit: www.ecri.org