Store-and-forward teleneurology in developing countries

J Telemed Telecare. 2001:7 Suppl 1:52-3. doi: 10.1177/1357633X010070S121.

Abstract

We assessed the feasibility of a store-and-forward email teleneurology service between a UK neurologist and a rehabilitation hospital in Bangladesh. Over 12 months, email advice was requested for 12 patients (mean age 43 years, range 15-57 years). Each patient generated an average of 5.2 email messages. Eight cases were considered complicated by the neurologist, who would have preferred a video-link consultation for these. The referring doctor found the neurologist's advice beneficial in 75% of the complex cases and in all of the more straightforward cases. Patient care was changed in 50% of the cases as a result of the specialist advice and one patient transfer out of the country was avoided. Store-and-forward teleneurology is effective for delivering expert neurological advice.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Computer Communication Networks*
  • Developing Countries*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Nervous System Diseases / therapy*
  • Remote Consultation / methods*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed