A tele-ultrasound needs analysis in Queensland

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Telemedicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Tele-ultrasound services are crucial for extending diagnostic capabilities to regional and rural healthcare settings.
• Assessing the current demand and preferred modalities for tele-ultrasound is essential for service development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the need for tele-ultrasound services in regional and rural Queensland.
• To identify the most frequently performed ultrasound examinations and areas requiring consultation.
• To determine the preferred method of tele-ultrasound data transmission.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to clinicians and sonographers in Queensland regional and rural sites.
• Profile questionnaires and case-logs were collected from participating centers.
• Response rates for questionnaires and case-logs were calculated.

Main Results:

• High response rates were achieved (89% for questionnaires, 81% for case-logs).
• Obstetric ultrasound was the most frequent examination (35%).
• 182 cases (7.5%) would have benefited from further consultation, primarily for diagnostic advice (79%).
• A strong preference (70%) exists for store-and-forward transmission of static images over real-time or video clip transmission.

Conclusions:

• Six hospitals were identified as having the greatest need for tele-ultrasound services.
• The findings support the development of tele-ultrasound services, particularly for obstetric imaging.
• Store-and-forward static image transmission is the preferred modality for tele-ultrasound consultations.