eConsulting.

Abstract

eConsulting, in all its contexts, can promote and improve the amount and quality of services and knowledge transferred to and among the community of health care providers and consumers. It can also improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the specialist and generalist workforce and accessibility to the services provided. This chapter defines eConsulting, provides the context, and introduces a conceptual framework to describe its current practice and future possibilities. A clinical scenario of a patient with a breast lump is used to ground the molecular, clinical, organizational, and social, legal, and ethical issues in real world practice. The approach/method used is based on the clinical process, evidence-based practice, and appraising the quality, validity, relevance, and usefulness of the information. The practicalities and utility of current eConsulting tools are discussed with a view to future ubiquitous use. Working through this chapter should assist readers to understand and describe (1) how eConsultations can link and translate scientific research into clinical practice, (2) the current implications of eConsultations, (3) the future potential of eConsultations.