An Empirical Analysis of the Current Need for Teleneuromedical Care in German Hospitals without Neurology Departments

Table 1

Technical possibilities for remote data transmission in networking hospitals [10].

Network access	Transmission speed	Suitability for teleneuromedicine	Costs
ISDN (point-to-point)	64–128 KB and more	(i) Nationwide, also available in rural areas	24 euro per month and 128 KB
		(ii) Relatively slow
		(iii) Only for small image transfers
		(iv) Ability to bundle cables
ADSL (Internet)	128–768 KB (upload) 1–16 MB (download)	(i) Fast downloading	20–150 euro per month including connection costs
		(ii) Not available everywhere
		(iii) Home connection
SDSL (Internet)	512 KB to 2 MB (upload and download)	(i) Fast Up- and downloading	120–180 euro per month including connection costs
		(ii) Not available everywhere
		(iii) Suitable for small and mid-sized hospitals
Satellite (Internet)	1,5 to 24 MB (download no upload)	(i) No upload → ISDN as feedback channel (upload) required	30–130 euro per month according to provider and rate
		(ii) Available everywhere
		(iii) Badly suited for synchronous connection because of long latency periods
Leased line SFV (point-to-point)	640 KB to 155 MB (upload and download)	(i) Highest reliability	300–1200 euro per month
		(ii) Possible high speed
		(iii) Recommended for big hospitals