Telemedicine for a Children's Field Hospital in Chechnya
A I Ehrlich1, B A Kobrinsky, V I Petlakh
1Dorodnicyn Computing Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare
|February 10, 2007
Summary
Telemedicine via satellite provided crucial expert support to a children's field hospital in Chechnya. This remote medical consultation service was vital for pediatric care in a conflict zone.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Telemedicine
- Satellite Communications
Background:
- A children's field hospital in Chechnya lacked immediate access to specialized medical expertise.
- The Gudermes area faced challenges in providing advanced pediatric care due to its location.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a telemedical link for supporting a remote field hospital.
- To assess the utility of satellite communication for pediatric consultations in a conflict zone.
Main Methods:
- Established a telemedical connection using the Russian SCA HeliosNet satellite system.
- Utilized an asymmetric satellite link with high-speed downlink and low-speed uplink.
- Conducted 179 teleconsultations (26 real-time videoconference, 153 asynchronous email) between October 2001 and February 2002.
Main Results:
- Nearly half of the teleconsultations were for emergency or urgent pediatric cases.
- The service facilitated medical decision-making across diverse pediatric diseases and trauma.
- Satellite-based telemedicine proved valuable in a challenging conflict environment.
Conclusions:
- Satellite-enabled telemedicine effectively extended expert pediatric care to remote and underserved areas.
- The system demonstrated significant value in managing urgent pediatric medical situations in conflict zones.
- Telemedicine is a viable solution for enhancing healthcare access in difficult-to-reach locations.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural Health Centers
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
00:59Hospitals-II
Hospitals provide inpatient and outpatient services. Inpatient services provide care to patients that stay in the hospital for an extended period, ranging from days to months. Examples of inpatient services include intensive care units, hospital wards, or surgeries. Outpatient services provide care to patients who come to a hospital for a diagnostic or treatment but do not stay overnight —for example, diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, or health education.
Nurses that work in hospitals have...
Nurses that work in hospitals have...
01:28Hospitals-I
Hospitals offer medical and surgical care to the sick and injured, along with accommodation while they recover. At the same time, they also provide outpatient, emergency, psychiatric, and rehabilitation services to meet various community needs. In addition to providing medical care, hospitals also act as hubs for medical research and training. Hospitals use clinical procedures and evidence-based practice standards to deliver patient care. To deliver safe and efficient care, a nurse must stay up...
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
Primary care promotes wellness and prevents disease. This care includes health promotion, education, protection (such as immunizations), early disease screening, and environmental considerations. Settings providing this type of healthcare include physician offices, public health clinics, school nursing, and community health nursing.
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
01:11Secondary Healthcare System
Secondary healthcare is offered by a specialist, generally in hospitals or clinics for patients referred by primary healthcare providers. It occurs when a person has an illness or injury that requires specific medical care. Secondary care is often referred to as acute care. Secondary care can range from uncomplicated care to repair a minor laceration or treat a strep throat infection to more complicated emergent care, such as treating a head injury sustained in an automobile accident. Whatever...
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I
Specialized care settings or centers are situated in convenient locations within the community and offer care to a specific group or population. They consist of daycare facilities, mental health facilities, rural health facilities, educational institutions, industries, shelters for the homeless, and rehabilitation facilities.
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...