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Byline: Goran Collste (1) Keywords: computer ethics; e-medicine; ethics; medical ethics; medical informatics Abstract: In this article, consultation via the Internet and the use of the Internet as a source of medical information is examined from an ethical point of view. It is argued that important ethical aspects of the clinical interaction, such as dialogue and trust will be difficult to realise in an Internet-consultation. Further, it is doubtful whether an Internet doctor will accept responsibility. However, medical information via the Internet can be a valuable resource for patients wanting to know more about their disease and, thus, it is a means to enhancing their autonomy. Author Affiliation: (1) Centre for Applied Ethics, Linkoping University, S-581 83, Linkoping, Sweden Article History: Registration Date: 09/10/2004 Article note: This revised version was published online in October 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.

In this article the authors discuss the article "Telecare, Surveillance and the Welfare State" by Tom Sorell and Heather Draper. They are critical of limitations that are found in Sorell and Draper's thinking which is featured in their article and of patient monitoring which results in decreases in social interaction and human contact for patients.