Telemedical treatment at home of diabetic foot ulcers

J Telemed Telecare. 2005:11 Suppl 2:S14-6. doi: 10.1258/135763305775124830.

Abstract

The treatment of diabetic foot ulcers may not always be well organized and not all patients have access to expert evaluation. We investigated the use of telemedicine to enable a visiting nurse (in the patient's home) to coordinate the treatment with experts (at the hospital). The equipment consisted of a UMTS videophone and an Internet-based patient record. Field studies were carried out at the outpatient clinic and by following visiting nurses. A total of 15 participants were invited to five workshops and experiments held in our laboratories, at the hospital, and between hospital and patients' homes. Finally, in a pilot test, five patients were offered three teleconsultations at their homes in lieu of visits to the hospital. Preliminary results were promising: (1) both clinicians and patients found the equipment easy to use; (2) the doctor could prescribe treatment at a distance; (3) the visiting nurse had realtime contact with the hospital and treatment could begin immediately according to the doctor's orders; (4) the patient saved time in not having to travel to the hospital.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Diabetic Foot / nursing*
  • Home Care Services / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Pilot Projects
  • Remote Consultation / instrumentation
  • Remote Consultation / organization & administration*