The impact of teleradiology on the inter-hospital transfer of neurosurgical patients

The aim of this study was to examine the role of teleradiology in the management of inter-hospital transfer of neurosurgical patients, especially in terms of safety and early therapeutic interventions. Data were collected prospectively, comparing events during the inter-hospital transfer of patients...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of neurosurgery 1997, Vol.11 (1), p.52-56
Main Authors: GOH, K. Y. C, LAM, C. K, POON, W. S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Biological and medical sciences
Cerebrovascular Disorders - diagnostic imaging
Child
Child, Preschool
Craniocerebral Trauma - diagnostic imaging
Emergencies
Female
Humans
Infant
Inter-hospital Transfer, Neurosurgical Emergencies, Teleradiology
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Miscellaneous. Technology
Prospective Studies
Radiodiagnosis. Nmr imagery. Nmr spectrometry
Radiography
Teleradiology
Transportation of Patients
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:The aim of this study was to examine the role of teleradiology in the management of inter-hospital transfer of neurosurgical patients, especially in terms of safety and early therapeutic interventions. Data were collected prospectively, comparing events during the inter-hospital transfer of patients from a district general hospital to a tertiary neurosurgical centre, before and after teleradiology became available. From March to December 1995, 50 referrals made without teleradiology were compared with 66 referrals after teleradiology installation. Our results showed that for patients referred with teleradiologic images, unnecessary transfers were reduced (21%), more therapeutic measures before transfer were implemented (27% vs 20%, p 0.41), adverse events occurring during transfer were significantly reduced (8% vs 32%, p 0.002), and transfer time was shortened (72 min vs 80 min, p 0.38). The potential advantages of this system in facilitating safer transfers and faster management of neurosurgical emergencies therefore merit further attention.
ISSN:0268-8697
1360-046X
DOI:10.1080/02688699746708