Third generation cellular multimedia teleconsultations in plastic surgery

J Telemed Telecare. 2011;17(4):199-202. doi: 10.1258/jtt.2010.100604. Epub 2011 Apr 20.

Abstract

We conducted a study to test whether new third generation (3G) mobile phones could be integrated into service as a working tool between plastic surgeons. During an eight-month period, 58 multimedia consultations were performed involving 57 patients. The majority of the consultations were for trauma or wounds. All consultations comprised a digital photograph taken with the integrated camera and sent via the Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). In 86% of the cases the residents reported that multimedia information contributed to their ability to independently handle similar cases in future. Satisfaction scores were high among all participants. We believe that a multimedia consultation in a hospital setting adds information to an ordinary telephone call, thus decreasing medico-legal risks. We recommend it for routine use.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Phone*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Delivery of Health Care / methods*
  • Delivery of Health Care / standards
  • Humans
  • Multimedia*
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Remote Consultation / methods*
  • Surgery, Plastic / rehabilitation
  • Surgery, Plastic / standards*