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Shi R, Rosario J. Paramedic-Performed Prehospital Tele-Ultrasound: A Powerful Technology or an Impractical Endeavor? A Scoping Review. Prehosp Disaster Med 2023; 38:645-653. [PMID: 37622570 PMCID: PMC10548023 DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x23006234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound with remote assistance (tele-ultrasound) may have potential to improve accessibility of ultrasound for prehospital patients. A review of recent literature on this topic has not been done before, and the feasibility of prehospital tele-ultrasound performed by non-physician personnel is unclear. In an effort to address this, the literature was qualitatively analyzed from January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2021 in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane online databases on prehospital, paramedic-acquired tele-ultrasound, and ten articles were found. There was considerable heterogeneity in the study design, technologies used, and the amount of ultrasound training for the paramedics, preventing cross-comparisons of different studies. Tele-ultrasound has potential to improve ultrasound accessibility by leveraging skills of a remote ultrasound expert, but there are still technological barriers to overcome before determinations on feasibility can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Shi
- University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Javier Rosario
- University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, Florida, USA
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2
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von Foerster N, Radomski MA, Martin-Gill C. Prehospital Ultrasound: A Narrative Review. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2022; 28:1-13. [PMID: 36194192 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2022.2132332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Background: Point-of-care ultrasound is rapidly becoming more prevalent in the prehospital environment. Though considered a relatively new intervention in this setting, there is growing literature that aims to explore the use of prehospital ultrasound by EMS personnel.Methods: To better understand and report the state of the science on prehospital ultrasound, we conducted a narrative review of the literature.Results: Following a keyword search of MEDLINE in Ovid from inception to August 2, 2022, 2,564 records were identified and screened. Based on review of abstracts and full texts, with addition of seven articles via bibliography review, 193 records were included. Many included studies detail usage in air medical and other critical care transport environments. Clinicians performing prehospital ultrasound are often physicians or other advanced practice personnel who have previous ultrasound experience, which facilitates implementation in the prehospital setting. Emerging literature details training programs for prehospital personnel who are novices to ultrasound, and implementation for some study types appears feasible without prior experience. Unique use scenarios that show promise include during critical care transport, for triage in austere settings, and for thoracic evaluation of patients at risk of life-threatening pathology.Conclusion: There is a growing mostly observational body of literature describing the use of ultrasound by prehospital personnel. Prehospital ultrasound has demonstrated feasibility for specific conditions, yet interventional studies evaluating benefit to patient outcomes are absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas von Foerster
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Marek A Radomski
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Christian Martin-Gill
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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3
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Lobo MJCD, Tavares SCCNM, Pereira de Almeida RP. Point of care prehospital ultrasound in Basic Emergency Services in Portugal. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e847. [PMID: 36189415 PMCID: PMC9489087 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims The Point of Care Ultrasound and Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound in Resource‐Limited Settings are differentiated diagnostic methods using ultrasound, essential in urgent patients screening, allowing better guidance in the diagnostic process and therapeutic approach. This study intends to observe the impact of these techniques in two Basic Emergency Services (SUB) in Portugal. Methods A longitudinal study was carried out in two remote locations in Portugal (SUB N and SUB S). Data were collected by trained radiographers in each location, and a total of 972 exams were considered. Imaging findings were documented by exam type, the exam normality and the resolution after exam. χ2 and Cramer's V tests were performed to check significant correlations between the variables. Results Regarding the type of echographic findings, 289 (29.7%) were considered normal, 628 (64.6%) were classified as abnormal and 55 (5.7%) were considered inconclusive. As for the type of resolution, 58% had local resolution, 24% were referred to a hospital emergency service and 18% referred to ambulatory care. Regarding the Location versus Resolution after exam versus Findings variables, it was verified a stronger statistically significant association for the exams considered “Abnormal” (Cramer's V = 0.414; p < 0.001). In the variables Location versus Findings versus Resolution after exam, it was verified a stronger statistical significance for “Referral to Ambulatory” (Cramer V = 0.443; p < 0.001) although Referral for Hospital (Cramer V = 0.252; p = 0.003) or Local Resolution (Cramer V = 0.252; p < 0.001) also had a moderate association strength. Conclusion Ultrasonography is a useful diagnostic tool for patients screening, having an influence on patient management in remote settings. Given the limited literature in Portugal about this matter, further research and literature will be needed to support and complement the results of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel José Cruz Duarte Lobo
- Local Health Unit of the Northeast (ULSNE), International Society of Clinical Ultrasound (SIEC), Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Portuguese Association (APIMR), International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT) Bragança Portugal
| | | | - Rui Pedro Pereira de Almeida
- Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Department, Center for Studies and Development in Health (CES) University of Algarve, Portugal, CHCR ‐ Compreensive Health Research Center, Évora ‐ Portugal. APIMR (Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Portuguese Assciation) Faro Portugal
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Sun YK, Li XL, Wang Q, Zhou BY, Zhu AQ, Qin C, Guo LH, Xu HX. Improving the quality of breast ultrasound examination performed by inexperienced ultrasound doctors with synchronous tele-ultrasound: a prospective, parallel controlled trial. Ultrasonography 2021; 41:307-316. [PMID: 34794212 PMCID: PMC8942725 DOI: 10.14366/usg.21081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This prospective study explored the value of synchronous tele-ultrasound (US) to aid doctors inexperienced in US with breast US examinations. METHODS In total, 99 patients were enrolled. Two trainee doctors who were inexperienced in US (trainee A [TA] and trainee B [TB]) and one doctor who was an expert in US completed the US examinations sequentially. TA completed the US examinations independently, while TB was instructed by the expert using synchronous tele-US. Subsequently, the expert performed on-site US examinations in person. Separately, they selected the most clinically significant nodule as the target nodule. Consistency with the expert and image quality were compared between TA and TB to evaluate tele-US. Furthermore, TB and the patients evaluated tele-US through questionnaires. RESULTS TB demonstrated higher consistency with the expert in terms of target nodule selection than TA (93.3% vs. 63.3%, P<0.001). TB achieved good inter-observer agreement (>0.75) with the expert on five US features (5/9, 55.6%), while TA only did so for one (1/9, 11.1%) (P=0.046). TB's image quality was higher than TA's in gray value, time gain compensation, depth, color Doppler adjustment, and the visibility of key information (P=0.018, P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.033, and P=0.006, respectively). The comprehensive assessment score was higher for TB than for TA (3.96±0.82 vs. 3.09±0.87, P<0.001). Tele-US was helpful in 69.7% of US examinations and had a training effect in 68.0%. Furthermore, 63.6% of patients accepted tele-US and 60.6% were willing to pay. CONCLUSION Tele-US can help doctors inexperienced in US to perform breast US examinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Kang Sun
- Center of Minimally Invasive Treatment for Tumor, Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Diagnosis and Treatment, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Long Li
- Center of Minimally Invasive Treatment for Tumor, Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiao Wang
- Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Diagnosis and Treatment, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo-Yang Zhou
- Center of Minimally Invasive Treatment for Tumor, Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - An-Qi Zhu
- Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Diagnosis and Treatment, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuan Qin
- Department of Ultrasound, Karamay Center Hospital, Karamay, China
| | - Le-Hang Guo
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Diagnosis and Treatment, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Xiong Xu
- Center of Minimally Invasive Treatment for Tumor, Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
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5
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Kim C, Hur J, Kang BS, Choi HJ, Shin JH, Kim TH, Chung JH. Can an Offsite Expert Remotely Evaluate the Visual Estimation of Ejection Fraction via a Social Network Video Call? J Digit Imaging 2018; 30:718-725. [PMID: 28484920 DOI: 10.1007/s10278-017-9974-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate whether an offsite expert could effectively evaluate visually estimated ejection fraction (EF) while watching and guiding the echocardiographic procedure of an onsite novice practitioner using a social network video call. Sixty patients presenting to the intensive care unit and requiring echocardiography between October and November 2016 were included. Sixty novice sonographers without any previous experience of echocardiography participated. Prior to the procedure, the onsite cardiologist completed the echocardiography and determined the EF using the modified Simpson's method (reference value). Then, the novice practitioner performed the echocardiography again with the offsite expert's guidance via a social network video call. The EF was visually estimated by the offsite expert while watching the ultrasound video on the smartphone display. Spearman's rank correlation and Bland-Altman plot analysis were conducted to assess the agreement between the two methods. There was excellent agreement between the two methods, with a correlation coefficient of 0.94 (p < 0.001). The Bland-Altman plot showed that the average bias was -3.05, and the limit of agreement (-10.3 to 4.2) was narrow. The offsite expert was able to perform an accurate visual estimation of ejection fraction remotely via a social network video call by mentoring the onsite novice sonographer. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02960685.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changsun Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, 222, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hur
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, 222, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Seung Kang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, 222, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyuk Joong Choi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, 222, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hun Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Ho Chung
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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A Feasibility Study of Telementoring for Identifying the Appendix Using Smartphone-Based Telesonography. J Digit Imaging 2018; 30:148-155. [PMID: 27826671 DOI: 10.1007/s10278-016-9921-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the feasibility of the clinical application of novice-practitioner-performed/offsite-mentor-guided ultrasonography for identifying the appendix. A randomized crossover study was conducted using a telesonography system that can transmit the ultrasound images displayed on the ultrasound monitor (ultrasound sequence video) and images showing the practitioner's operations (background video) to a smartphone without any interruption in motion over a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network. Thirty novice practitioners were randomly assigned to two groups. The subjects in group A (n = 15) performed ultrasonography for the identification of the appendix under mentoring by an onsite expert, whereas those in group B (n = 15) performed the same procedure under mentoring by an offsite expert. Each subject performed the procedure on three simulated patients. After a 4-week interval, they performed the procedure again under the other type of mentoring. A total of 90 ultrasound examinations were performed in each scenario. The primary outcomes were the success rate for identifying the appendix and the time required to identify the appendix. The success rates for identifying the appendix were 91.1 % (82/90) in onsite-mentored ultrasonography and 87.8 % (79/90) in offsite-mentored ultrasonography; both rates were high, and there was no significant difference (p = 0.468) between them. The time required in the case of offsite mentoring (median, 242.9 s; interquartile range (IQR), 238.2) was longer than that for onsite mentoring (median, 291.4 s; IQR, 200.9); however, the difference was not significant (p = 0.051). It appears that offsite mentoring can allow novice onsite practitioners to perform ultrasonography as effectively as they can under onsite mentoring, even for examinations that require proficiency in rather complex practices, such as identifying the appendix.
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Kim C, Cha H, Kang BS, Choi HJ, Lim TH, Oh J. A Feasibility Study of Smartphone-Based Telesonography for Evaluating Cardiac Dynamic Function and Diagnosing Acute Appendicitis with Control of the Image Quality of the Transmitted Videos. J Digit Imaging 2018; 29:347-56. [PMID: 26620200 DOI: 10.1007/s10278-015-9849-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Our aim was to prove the feasibility of the remote interpretation of real-time transmitted ultrasound videos of dynamic and static organs using a smartphone with control of the image quality given a limited internet connection speed. For this study, 100 cases of echocardiography videos (dynamic organ)-50 with an ejection fraction (EF) of ≥50 s and 50 with EF <50 %-and 100 cases of suspected pediatric appendicitis (static organ)-50 with signs of acute appendicitis and 50 with no findings of appendicitis-were consecutively selected. Twelve reviewers reviewed the original videos using the liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor of an ultrasound machine and using a smartphone, to which the images were transmitted from the ultrasound machine. The resolution of the transmitted echocardiography videos was reduced by approximately 20 % to increase the frame rate of transmission given the limited internet speed. The differences in diagnostic performance between the two devices when evaluating left ventricular (LV) systolic function by measuring the EF and when evaluating the presence of acute appendicitis were investigated using a five-point Likert scale. The average areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for each reviewer's interpretations using the LCD monitor and smartphone were respectively 0.968 (0.949-0.986) and 0.963 (0.945-0.982) (P = 0.548) for echocardiography and 0.972 (0.954-0.989) and 0.966 (0.947-0.984) (P = 0.175) for abdominal ultrasonography. We confirmed the feasibility of remotely interpreting ultrasound images using smartphones, specifically for evaluating LV function and diagnosing pediatric acute appendicitis; the images were transferred from the ultrasound machine using image quality-controlled telesonography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changsun Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunmin Cha
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Seung Kang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, 153, Gyeongchun-ro(st), Guri-si, GyeongGi-do, 471-701, Korea.
| | - Hyuk Joong Choi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Ho Lim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehoon Oh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Winburn AS, Brixey JJ, Langabeer J, Champagne-Langabeer T. A systematic review of prehospital telehealth utilization. J Telemed Telecare 2017; 24:473-481. [PMID: 29278996 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x17713140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective There has been moderate evidence of telehealth utilization in the field of emergency medicine, but less is known about telehealth in prehospital emergency medical services (EMS). The objective of this study is to explore the extent, focus, and utilization of telehealth for prehospital emergency care through the analysis of published research. Methods The authors conducted a systematic literature review by extracting data from multiple research databases (including MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL Complete, and Google Scholar) published since 2000. We used consistent key search terms to identify clinical interventions and feasibility studies involving telehealth and EMS, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results We identified 68 articles focused specifically on telehealth interventions in prehospital care. The majority (54%) of the studies involved stroke and acute cardiovascular care, while only 7% of these (4) focused on telehealth for primary care. The two most common delivery methods were real-time video-conferencing capabilities (38%) and store and forward (25%); and this variation was based upon the clinical focus. There has been a significant and positive trend towards greater telehealth utilization. European telehealth programs were most common (51% of the studies), while 38% were from the United States. Discussion and Conclusions Despite positive trends, telehealth utilization in prehospital emergency care is fairly limited given the sheer number of EMS agencies worldwide. The results of this study suggest there are significant opportunities for wider diffusion in prehospital care. Future work should examine barriers and incentives for telehealth adoption in EMS.
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Arbeille P, Zuj K, Saccomandi A, Ruiz J, Andre E, de la Porte C, Carles G, Blouin J, Georgescu M. Teleoperated Echograph and Probe Transducer for Remote Ultrasound Investigation on Isolated Patients (Study of 100 Cases). Telemed J E Health 2016; 22:599-607. [DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2015.0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Arbeille
- UMPS-CERCOM (Unit of Medicine and Space Physiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Kathryn Zuj
- UMPS-CERCOM (Unit of Medicine and Space Physiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | | | - Jose Ruiz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Ceuta, Spain
| | - Elise Andre
- Multidisciplinary Health House, Richelieu, France
| | | | - Gabriel Carles
- Hospital of North East Guyana, St. Laurent du Maroni, Guyana, France
| | - Joel Blouin
- UMPS-CERCOM (Unit of Medicine and Space Physiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Monica Georgescu
- UMPS-CERCOM (Unit of Medicine and Space Physiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tours, Tours, France
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to review current literature relating to telemedicine in pediatric emergency medicine including its clinical applications and challenges associated with its implementation. METHODS We reviewed the literature using standard search methods in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis. We included the studies done in emergency settings for all age groups and narrowed our search to the articles that are relevant to "impact on quality of care" and "patient outcome." We also described current telemedicine uses, software, hardware, and other requirements needed for pediatric emergency applications. RESULTS Telemedicine has a potential role in pediatric emergency medicine for real-time decision making to improve quality of care for children. Logistic and legal challenges exist for pediatric emergency medicine applications similar to its uses in other settings. CONCLUSIONS Current frameworks exist in the use of telemedicine for pediatric emergency medicine. Research is still needed to see whether clinical outcomes are improved with pediatric emergency telemedicine solutions. Practical issues regarding training, accessibility, and resource allocation should be explored as pediatric emergency telemedicine evolves.
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Kim C, Kang BS, Choi HJ, Lim TH, Oh J, Chee Y. Clinical application of real-time tele-ultrasonography in diagnosing pediatric acute appendicitis in the ED. Am J Emerg Med 2015; 33:1354-9. [PMID: 26306436 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2015.07.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the effectiveness of tele-mentored ultrasonography between emergency medicine (EM) residents and remote experts in diagnosing acute appendicitis. METHODS This prospective observational study was performed in an academic emergency department. Beginning in June 2014, the EM residents performed the initial ultrasonography for suspected pediatric acute appendicitis; then, the remote experts observed/mentored the residents' practice using the tele-ultrasonography system; and finally, an onsite expert verified the diagnosis. The diagnostic confidence of each examiner (resident, remote expert, and onsite expert) was rated on a 5-point Likert scale. The appendix identification rate and the diagnostic values; sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for each type of examination were calculated. RESULTS A total of 115 pediatric cases with suspected acute appendicitis, including 36 with pathology-confirmed acute appendicitis, between June 2014 and February 2015 were enrolled in this study. In 9 of the 115 (7.8%) cases, a non-appendicitis diagnosis was determined in the absence of the successful identification of a normal appendix upon resident examination. Of these, seven appendices were identified upon expert tele-ultrasonography. The diagnostic values for expert tele-ultrasonography were higher (sensitivity: 1.000, specificity: 0.975, PPV: 0.947, NPV: 1.000) than those for resident-performed ultrasonography (sensitivity: 0.917, specificity: 0.899, PPV: 0.805, NPV: 0.959) and similar to those for onsite expert-performed ultrasonography (sensitivity: 1.000, specificity: 0.987, PPV: 0.973, NPV: 1.000). CONCLUSION Tele-ultrasonography with tele-mentoring between EM residents and experienced mentors was effectively applied in diagnosing pediatric acute appendicitis in an emergency clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changsun Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Seung Kang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyuk Joong Choi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Ho Lim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehoon Oh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngjoon Chee
- School of Electrical Engineering, Ulsan University, Republic of Korea
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12
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Rubin MN, Barrett KM, Freeman WD, Lee Iannotti JK, Channer DD, Rabinstein AA, Demaerschalk BM. Teleneurosonology: a novel application of transcranial and carotid ultrasound. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2014; 24:562-5. [PMID: 25542763 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2014.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To demonstrate the technical feasibility of interfacing transcranial Doppler (TCD) and carotid "duplex" ultrasonography (CUS) peripherals with telemedicine end points to provide real-time spectral waveform and duplex imaging data for remote review and interpretation. METHODS We performed remote TCD and CUS examinations on a healthy, volunteer employee from our institution without known cerebrovascular disease. The telemedicine end point was stationed in our institution's hospital where the neurosonology examinations took place and the control station was in a dedicated telemedicine room in a separate building. The examinations were performed by a postgraduate level neurohospitalist trainee (M.N.R.) and interpreted by an attending vascular neurologist, both with experience in the performance and interpretation of TCD and CUS. RESULTS Spectral waveform and duplex ultrasound data were successfully transmitted from TCD and CUS instruments through a telemedicine end point to a remote reviewer at a control station. Image quality was preserved in all cases, and technical failures were not encountered. CONCLUSIONS This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the technical feasibility of interfacing TCD and CUS peripherals with a telemedicine end point to provide real-time spectral waveform and duplex imaging data for remote review and interpretation. Medical diagnostic and telemedicine devices should be equipped with interfaces that allow simple transmission of high-quality audio and video information from the medical devices to the telemedicine technology. Further study is encouraged to determine the clinical impact of teleneurosonology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark N Rubin
- Mayo Clinic Department of Neurology, Scottsdale, Arizona.
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Prehospital emergency ultrasound: a review of current clinical applications, challenges, and future implications. Emerg Med Int 2013; 2013:531674. [PMID: 24171113 PMCID: PMC3792527 DOI: 10.1155/2013/531674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Imaging modalities in the prehospital setting are helpful in the evaluation and management of time-sensitive emergency conditions. Ultrasound is the main modality that has been applied by emergency medical services (EMS) providers in the field. This paper examines the clinical applications of ultrasound in the prehospital setting. Specific focus is on applications that provide essential information to guide triage and management of critical patients. Challenges of this modality are also described in terms of cost impact on EMS agencies, provider training, and skill maintenance in addition to challenges related to the technical aspect of ultrasound.
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