Integration of quality programs by telemedicine in surgical services

Abstract

Surgical procedures can be performed and monitored in operating rooms physically isolated, but electronically linked to a parent medical center, and certainly from distant consultation. Quality of surgical care has been measured in retrospect rather than in real time, and outcomes have generally not had the benefit of immediate consultation and group analysis. However, telemedicine can connect consultants, surgeons, patients, and databases. The Yale Telemedicine Center has developed network schemes, which connect the OR of trainees with the laboratory of the teacher, and has opened a continuum between pedagogy and product. The program has connected regional hospitals, connected components of hospital systems, and has been used in international testbeds. The particular operative procedures studied have been laparoscopic procedures. The consultant is based at Yale and is connected with the distant OR to share the laparoscopic surgical field. Connection includes real time video, audio and the ability to draw instruction on the OR screen. Bandwidths as low as 12kbs(POTS) have been employed with modification with effective intervention. The potential for quality improvement is substantial, and inclusion in quality programs is strongly recommended.