ABSTRACT
Communication is important, but geography can make it difficult in rural areas. In an urban setting, it is difficult for people working in large primary healthcare teams to share information. Nevertheless, several logistical obstacles impede access to information and good communication with patients, secondary care, the emergency services and within the primary healthcare team itself. In view of society's massive investment in information technology, and increasing dependence on it, it is important to remain objective about both its benefits and its detrimental consequences, particularly the effect on quality of patient care. Increased communication between computers, through networks such as the Internet or NHS-net, makes breaches of data security and fraudulent modification of records more likely. The quality of information has not increased in line with its quantity. Internet users should be aware that information may not be generally accepted or properly researched. Telemedicine is the use of audiovisual links in medicine.
