Abstract
The treatment of diabetic foot ulcers may not always be well organized and not all patients have access to expert evaluation. We investigated the use of telemedicine to enable a visiting nurse (in the patient's home) to coordinate the treatment with experts (at the hospital). The equipment consisted of a UMTS videophone and an Internet-based patient record. Field studies were carried out at the outpatient clinic and by following visiting nurses. A total of 15 participants were invited to five workshops and experiments held in our laboratories, at the hospital, and between hospital and patients' homes. Finally, in a pilot test, five patients were offered three teleconsultations at their homes in lieu of visits to the hospital. Preliminary results were promising: (1) both clinicians and patients found the equipment easy to use; (2) the doctor could prescribe treatment at a distance; (3) the visiting nurse had realtime contact with the hospital and treatment could begin immediately according to the doctor's orders; (4) the patient saved time in not having to travel to the hospital.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
---|---|
Tidsskrift | Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare |
Vol/bind | 11 Suppl 2 |
Sider (fra-til) | S14-6 |
ISSN | 1357-633X |
DOI | |
Status | Udgivet - 2005 |
Udgivet eksternt | Ja |