§ Lord Swinfenasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, if significant introduction of telemedicine (that is remote diagnosis using information and readings supplied on-line or by telephone) is planned for the National Health Service, the fundamental principle of evidence-based medicine will be preserved; and whether:
- (a) telemedicine applications will only be introduced on the basis of identifiable clinical need supported by evidence of cost-effectiveness; and
- (b) external commercial pressures to introduce telemedicine will be resisted until evidence of
WA 69 cost-effectiveness has been obtained by scientific research trials in the National Health Service. [HL3298]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Hayman)The Government are committed to modernising the NHS, including introducing telemedicine applications where that is appropriate. These will only be widely introduced where there is clinical need and evidence from research and evaluation indicates that it is appropriate to do so.