Multidisciplinary Telemedicine in Health Care Delivery: Laser Mediated Telemedicine in Anesthesia

摘要

Between 1972 and 1979 a telemedicine system in Cleveland linked a consulting station of University Hospital with an operating room in the local V.A., and an operating room, an ICU, and a Newborn Nursery at Forest City Hospital, a small inner city institution. The link was subserved by laser, microwave, and telephone lines, and used by anesthesiology, neonatology, and intensive care specialist. The consultant watched patients and procedures using a remotely controlled color camera and observed ECG signals and listened to stethescope sounds. The consultants' picture was transmitted to the remote stations. The system was evaluated and found to be helpful in all settings. A statistically significant improvement in outcome was observed in the newborn nursery after telemedicine had been introduced. The system shut down when Forest City Hospital ceased operation. There are several special reports within this document which cover topics such as 'Task Analysis in Anesthesia' and one on the closure of a black hospital. Another study that was performed under this grant (Cost-Effectiveness of Telemedicine Systems) has a separate NTIS entry.