Q.  What do I need to do if I want to start a network?
A.  See Further Information.

Q.  What does it cost to start a network?
A.  Trialling a small network is free.

Q.  Can I put my own organisation's logo on the user screens?
A.  Yes.

Q.  Can I modify the system software?
A.  In principle. Please contact us to explain what you want to do.

Q.  Can I integrate my network into my organisation's IT infrastructure?
A.  Yes. MSF, for example, run a CT network within their own domain.

Q.  How long are the data stored for?
A.  The data stored in the CT system represent patient-identifiable information. Legislation about the length of time that such data must be stored varies around the world, and also varies depending on the patient's age. To be on the safe side, the data in the CT system are archived onto storage media with a 30-year guaranteed lifetime.

Q.  Are the data stored securely?
A.  The short answer is Yes. We take a lot of time and trouble (and expense) to ensure that data security is as good as reasonably practicable. We believe that the security is better than is required by the HIPAA legislation in the US, for example.

Q.  What about real-time telemedicine?
A.  Experience over many years shows that the majority of health care problems are suitable for store-and-forward telemedicine. The obvious exceptions are problems of life-threatening urgency. The CT system contains facilities for real-time "chat" between the users, although this needs to be arranged in advance.

Q.  Can I use Specialists from other networks?
A.  With their prior permission, then Yes. A central aim of the CT system is to allow the sharing of ideas and expertise between the networks.

Q.  If I receive a difficult case in my network, for which I don't have an appropriate Specialist, can I transfer the case to another network?
A.  With their prior permission, then Yes.

Q.  Is (store-and-forward) telemedicine appropriate for all cases?
A.  Experience over many years shows that the majority of health care problems are suitable for store-and-forward telemedicine. The obvious exceptions are problems of life-threatening urgency.

Q.  What publications are available about the CT system?
A.  See Resources.

Q.  Is there any documentation about the CT system?
A.  Yes. See Resources (e.g. peer-reviewed papers, slides, help files, e-book).

Q.  Can I use the system for educational, rather than clinical purposes?
A.  Yes. The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine uses a CT network to provide remote ultrasound support.

Q.  How much effort is involved in setting up and running a network?
A.      Setting up? Not much, especially if you start small.
         Running? It depends on the complexity of the cases, e.g radiology can be fairly straightforward, particularly if automatic allocation is used. Note however that at some stage a (human) case-coordinator will need to look at each case and sign it off as completed.

Q.  Is the CT system available in other languages?
A.  Yes. Currently the user interface is available in English, French, Spanish and Arabic. Other languages can be added as required.