Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

We have performed a feasibility study of telemedicine as an alternative to conventional outpatient appointments for the making of diagnostic and management decisions for patients referred for vascular surgery. Twenty-two sequential patients referred by a single general practice to a vascular centre were offered a telemedicine clinic appointment as an alternative to a conventional hospital outpatient appointment. A referral pro forma and digital photograph (where appropriate) were transmitted in advance of the videoconference. The videoconference involved patient, practice nurse and vascular consultant. All patients opted for the teleconsultation. The majority had leg ulceration or leg pain. Six patients required only the initial teleconsultation and were managed thereafter in the community. Thirteen were referred to the vascular laboratory for investigation. Three proceeded to angioplasty and four to surgery. Two patients had a conventional outpatient appointment for follow-up but all others were followed up via telemedicine. Overall 27 conventional outpatient appointments were replaced by a teleconsultation.

Original publication

DOI

10.1258/1357633042614212

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Telemed Telecare

Publication Date

2004

Volume

10 Suppl 1

Pages

38 - 40

Keywords

Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Family Practice, Feasibility Studies, Humans, Middle Aged, Referral and Consultation, Remote Consultation, Vascular Diseases, Videoconferencing