Einsatz eines multifunktionalen Telemedizinsystems im Rettungsdienst : eine observationelle Studie
Year: 2012
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study evaluated the first clinical use of an own developed, multifunctional telemedicine system in an emergency medical service (EMS). This allowed a continuous real-time transmission of vital signs data and voice communication, a 12-lead-ECG transmission, transmission of still images and the continuous video transmission from a specially equipped ambulance. All data were transferred to a teleconsultation centre staffed with EMS physicians (tele-EMS physicians). They provided telemedical support to the EMS physician if required. The technical characteristics of the different applications, the quality of the still images and videos as well as organizational aspects and the assessment of the cooperation between EMS physician and tele-EMS physician were collected with standardized questionnaires. Main focus of the study was to evaluate the technical performance of various telemedicine applications as well as the evaluation of organizational aspects. The teleconsultation was tested on a wide range of emergency missions. Overall 157 missions were included into the analysis. The applications were used successfully between 80.1% (real-time vital signs data transmission) and 97.3% (video transmission) of the missions. Most often the voice communication was used (n=147 94%), which was disturbed only slightly, but mainly by the non-modifiable factors environment and technology. The quality of still image and video transmission was rated on average as well. However, the clinical utility of still image transmission was slightly superior to the video transmission. Since only one patient was refused consent for data transmission, a high acceptance can be expected. Apart from preliminary information for the hospital the tele-EMS physician acted frequently in the background. In some missions individual decisions such as the diagnosis, the ECG diagnosis or treatment decisions were taken together. Overall the study showed that the use of a telemedical system in EMS is feasible. However, the technical reliability and availability need to be improved prior to routine use.
Source: RWTH Publications (RWTH Aachen)
Authors: Marc Felzen, Rolf Rossaint
Language: German
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2586163640