Robot-assisted remote echocardiographic examination and teleconsultation: a randomized comparison of time to diagnosis with standard of care referral approach
Source: Boman et al. 2014 - Pubmed ID: 25124011
Setting: Sweden, 1 Hospital
RCT
Follow up: NA
Sample size:
Total: 38
IGG: 19
CG: 19
Inclusion criteria:
- Heart failure
Home monitorering (Robot-assisted remote echocardiographic examination (ECE))
- ECG record
Video consultations
- Communication
- Information
- Video/Audio
- Management plan
Intervention: eHealth solution for cardiological consultation with robot-assisted remote echocardiography at a distance (CARDIA concept). The patient was examined by GP at primary healthcare clinic and electronic patient journal was sent to the cardiologist. Once every 2 weeks trained sonographer from the county hospital performed the ECE with remote-controlled robotic arm on the patient situated at the primary healthcare center. On the same day after the remote ECE examination, teleconsultation by the cardiologist (and sonographer) in the hospital was performed with the patient in the presence of the GP at the healthcare center.
Duration: NA
Add on: +
Control group: Usual care
Clinical effect:
- Time to diagnosis↓
Patient safety: NA
Patient experience:
- 89% responded favorably to the new way of examination
- 95% believed that they had received faster care
- 75% preferred remote consultation
Staff experience: NA
Investment:
Equipment/Materials
- Remote-controlled robotic arm (ECE)
Running:
Technical
- Services on Remote-controlled robotic arm (ECE)
Staff
- ECE recording
- Diagnosis
- Treatment adjustments
Organization:
- Collaboration between hospital and primary care
- Integration of EPJ
Health care utilization:
- Clinical examination to GP signs off the result, days→