9. Conclusions

New communication networks, enhanced by Internet and computer applications, demonstrate the new possibilities offered by electronic medicine. Telemedicine can contribute to a more complete and accurate dissemination of medical information. Even at a distance, it can extend the scope of face-to-face consultations.

Many medical innovations are finding profitable outlets within hospitals, such as sensors providing reliable readings of health parameters and sporting practices. The use of the first portable health gadgets and toys generated millions of messages of medical information which, despite their imperfections, provided useful pointers on the paths to be explored to improve the health of as many people as possible, even in the poorest countries. These health sensors provide more and better information on a greater number of people, at marginal cost. Other developments,...