Telemedicine' has been defined in general terms to be 'medicine practised at a distance' and as such it encompasses both diagnosis and treatment, as well as medical education. During the last decade certain telemedicine applications, such as videoconsulting and teleradiology, have matured to become essential health care services. Others, such as telepathology, remain the subject of intensive research effort. The Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare publishes peer-reviewed papers on all aspects of both telemedicine and telecare - the latter covering distance nursing and community support. It is relevant to both the primary and secondary medical sectors, as well as having application to the veterinary field, and includes papers on all aspects of these emerging fields. In addition to original articles, the journal publishes preliminary communications, commissioned review articles, case reports, letters to the Editor and book reviews.