Remote diagnosis of congenital heart disease: the impact of telemedicine. Issue 4 (29th November 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grant, Brian; Morgan, Gareth J; McCrossan, Brian A; Crealey, Grainne E; Sands, Andrew J; Craig, Brian; Casey, Frank A
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 95:Issue 4(2010)
• Page Start: 276
• Page End: 280
• Publication Date: 2009-11-29
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.2008.146456
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To determine the accuracy of remote diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) by real-time transmission of echocardiographic images via integrated services digital network (ISDN) lines, to assess the impact on patient management and examine cost implications. Design: Prospective comparison of echocardiograms on infants with suspected significant CHD performed as follows: (1) hands-on evaluation and echocardiogram by a paediatrician at a district general hospital (DGH) followed by (2) transmission of the echocardiogram via ISDN 6 with guidance from a paediatric cardiologist and finally (3) hands-on evaluation and echocardiogram by a paediatric cardiologist. The economic analysis compares the cost of patient care associated with the telemedicine service with a hypothetical control group. Setting: Neonatal units of three DGH and a UK regional paediatric cardiology unit. Results: Echocardiograms were transmitted on 124 infants. In five cases scans were inadequate for diagnosis. Of the remaining 119 tele-echocardiograms, a follow-up echocardiogram was performed on 109/119 (92%). Major CHD was diagnosed in 39/109 infants (36%) and minor CHD in 45 (41%). The tele-echo diagnosis was accurate in 96% of cases (κ=0.89). Unnecessary transfer to the regional unit was avoided in 93/124 patients (75%). Despite relatively high implementation costs, telemedicine care was substantially cheaper than standard care. Each DGH potentially saved money by utilising the telemedicine service (mean saving: £728/patient). Conclusions: CHD is accurately diagnosed by realtime transmission of echocardiograms performed by paediatricians under live guidance and interpretation by a paediatric cardiologist. Remote diagnosis and exclusion of CHD affects patient management and may be cost saving.