Provision of telehealth to the Scottish Police College

J Telemed Telecare. 2008;14(3):160-2. doi: 10.1258/jtt.2008.003020.

Abstract

A telemedicine service was established for the Scottish Police College with medical advice provided from the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Use of the service from November 2004 to February 2006 was audited. A total of 192 patients presented to the service during the 16-month study period. There were 97 teleconsultations. The remaining 95 patients (49%) were not seen by telemedicine due to technical problems. The complaints dealt with were 68% injuries and 32% minor illness (n = 97). The outcome of the teleconsultation was: advice alone 76%; referral to a general practitioner 10%; and A&E referral 14% (n = 97). The treatment advised was: over-the-counter medicine 85%; prescription 5%; and nil 10% (n = 97). Even with a 24% connection rate, the service overall was perceived as beneficial and the Police College wished to continue to use the service, if the technology difficulties could be resolved.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Occupational / statistics & numerical data
  • Computer Communication Networks / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Police*
  • Referral and Consultation / statistics & numerical data
  • Schools
  • Telemedicine / organization & administration
  • Telemedicine / statistics & numerical data*