A review of minor injuries telemedicine

Video support in the management of minor injuries was pioneered in the mid-1970s in the USA, but remained little more than a technical curiosity pending the development of acceptable equipment some 20 years later. Minor injuries telemedicine has developed very successfully over the last few years in the UK, the first reported UK minor injuries telemedicine link being set up in 1994. Peripheral services are generally staffed by emergency nurse practitioners, who can use a telemedicine link when required to obtain realtime advice from a doctor at a main hospital accident and emergency department. There is now a considerable body of experience to show that the technique is safe and effective, and also some limited data about its economic benefits. The majority of minor injuries teleconsultations involve transmission of radiographs and most minor injuries teleradiology is undertaken on the understanding that a definitive radiologist's report will be issued in due course. Studies show that satisfactory interpretation of plain radiographs is possible using a low-cost/low-resolution telemedicine link. This is supported by other studies which have shown that even a teleradiology system at reduced cost and technical specifications can yield adequate images. It seems likely that teleconsultation will become an essential component in the provision of accident and emergency services.