Rapid advancement of telecommunications and information technology has created the potential for high--quality expert healthcare to be delivered when and where it is needed. This text charts the development of the telemedicine industry, defines its current scope and reveals the potential of new methodologies. aeo explains the main features of telemedicine and telecare aeo reviews the technology needed for telemedicine aeo describes how to develop, deliver and evaluate telemedicine services aeo considers the associated ethical and legal issues aeo includes an in--depth survey of the literature with over 300 references to research articles and hyperlinks to associated websites This text provides a good working knowledge of the subject matter. It will be indispensable for all students on courses related to medicine and health care management. It also addresses the strategic, technical and operational issues faced by clinicians and healthcare managers considering the introduction of telemedicine services offering solutions for a variety of situations.