[The first system of image transmission and neurosurgical telecommunication in Poland]

The goal was to develop a fast and efficient neurosurgical teleconsulting network to improve acute neurosurgical patient care, to reduce transport costs and unnecessary occupation of neurosurgical beds.

Modems with 56 kilobits/s data transmission speed are used. CT images are transmitted straight from CT scanner via modem/telephone lines to receiving personal computer in Department of Neurosurgery. Receiving PC runs with Microsoft Windows operating system and the network software MultiView (EMED, Inc.). Network connects Department of Neurosurgery Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw with transmitting hospitals in Ciechanów and Ostrołeka.

The system is fast, one study consisting 18 images is transmitted in about 5 minutes and it is simple to use, to date more than 1000 CT images have been transmitted. Operator acceptance has been very high. The system has improved acute neurosurgical patient care. Transfer of appropriate patients has been accelerated and unnecessary transfer is almost eliminated.

Applied Neurosurgical Teleconsulting System has significantly improved acute neurosurgical patient care and has reduced transport expenses. Better availability of neurosurgical consultation has been achieved. The network is simple to use and has gained physician acceptance. It has to be emphasized that the creation and using of the system is relatively not expensive.