Acute-phase trauma intervention using a videoconference link circumvents compromised access to expert trauma care
Doron Todder1, Mike Matar, Zeev Kaplan
1Ministry of Health Mental Health Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel. dtoder@netvision.net.il
Summary
Early intervention for acute stress disorder (ASD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is crucial. Videoconference telemedicine effectively provided expert trauma care when physical access was compromised.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Psychology
- Telemedicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Effective management of acute stress disorder (ASD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) requires timely expert intervention.
- Accessibility to care is often compromised by geopolitical or environmental conditions, hindering real-time treatment.
- The El-Aqsa Intifada in Gush Katif settlements exemplifies situations where physical access to care was severely limited.
Observation:
- Two cases are presented where videoconference (VC) telemedicine was utilized to deliver specialist care for acute trauma sequelae.
- VC links facilitated rapid and safe access to expert assistance in a challenging environment.
- This approach aimed to overcome barriers to immediate psychological support.
Findings:
- Videoconference telemedicine proved to be a viable method for providing early trauma interventions.
- Specialist care was delivered effectively despite compromised physical access.
- The technology enabled rapid response to acute sequelae of trauma.
Implications:
- Videoconference telemedicine offers significant potential for improving access to mental health services in underserved or inaccessible populations.
- This modality can be crucial for mitigating the risk of developing ASD and PTSD in crisis situations.
- Further exploration of benefits and limitations of VC-based trauma care is warranted for diverse civilian populations.
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