This examination of the use of telecommunications systems in the health care field in Canada notes that the use of such systems to assist in the delivery of health care at a distance is critical to the remote and isolated regions of the country. The report begins by reviewing the development of 'telemedicine' or 'telehealth' systems using various combinations of telephone, cable, microwave, and satellite technologies. Examples of such systems are provided by describing three experiments with linking hospitals in remote areas with urban teaching hospitals. The remote hospitals were the Moose Factory General Hospital in the northern district, the Sioux Lookout Zone of northwestern Ontario, and four remote hospitals in Newfoundland. Technologies included linking via the Hermes satellite and/or slow scan television; applications ranged from medical diagnosis and consultation to administration, continuing education for health professionals, and patient treatment. Current telehealth applications in Canada are then described, including programs operating in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland. Issues involved in planning for telehealth programs are also discussed, including whether video is needed in addition to audio, protection of patient-physician confidentiality, remuneration for services rendered via telecommunications, and the need for more expertise and guidance in creating the programs to be transmitted. A look at future directions for telehealth in Canada concludes the report. (20 references) (DB)