Consultation of orthopaedics cases using multimedia messaging services

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Verbal radiological data transfer between Emergency Departments (ED) and orthopaedic registrars is common.
• Limitations in verbal reporting due to language barriers and varying medical experience can impact patient care.
• This study investigates the therapeutic benefit of integrating MMS teleradiology with traditional verbal reporting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of MMS teleradiology when used concurrently with verbal reporting.
• To determine if this combined approach improves diagnostic accuracy and patient management in the ED.

Main Methods:

• Reviewed case notes of 40 ED patients.
• Captured images and sent them to an Orthopaedic registrar with a clinical synopsis.
• Collected data on diagnosis, need for admission, and management plans.

Main Results:

• Correct diagnosis was achieved in 27 out of 40 cases.
• MMS teleradiology demonstrated 79% sensitivity, 83% specificity, and 80% accuracy.
• Successful diagnosis rates were 50% for paediatric fractures and 60% for undisplaced fractures.

Conclusions:

• MMS teleradiology alone is not sufficient as a remote diagnostic tool.
• When combined with clinical practice, it effectively screens patients.
• This integrated method enhances decision-making confidence and inter-physician communication.