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.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare |
Volume | 11 Suppl 2 |
Pages (from-to) | S14-6 |
ISSN | 1357-633X |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2005 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Aged
- Attitude of Health Personnel
- Diabetic Foot/nursing
- Home Care Services/organization & administration
- Humans
- Patient Satisfaction
- Pilot Projects
- Remote Consultation/instrumentation