Feasibility of prehospital teleconsultation in acute stroke--a pilot study in clinical routine.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Inter-hospital teleconsultation improves stroke care. To transfer this concept into the emergency medical service (EMS), the feasibility and effects of prehospital teleconsultation were investigated.

Methodology/principal findings

Teleconsultation enabling audio communication, real-time video streaming, vital data and still picture transmission was conducted between an ambulance and a teleconsultation center. Pre-notification of the hospital was carried out with a 14-item stroke history checklist via e-mail-to-fax. Beside technical assessments possible influences on prehospital and initial in-hospital time intervals, prehospital diagnostic accuracy and the transfer of stroke specific data were investigated by comparing telemedically assisted prehospital care (tele

SUBMITTER: Bergrath S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3356340 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature