A pilot study examining the use of mobile camera phones as a teleconsultation tool in surgical practice

Abstract

Purpose

Most clinicians carry a mobile camera phone at work. Although previous studies have shown these devices are useful teleconsultation tools when remotely analysing wounds, their use has yet to be fully explored with other diagnostic images used in the management of general surgical inpatients. The aim of this study was to further determine the reliability of camera phones in this setting.

Materials and methods

A standard mobile camera phone was used to capture images of 5 electrocardiograms (ECGs), 10 plain radiographs (X-rays), and 5 surgical wounds from general surgical inpatients. Twenty clinicians were sent these images and asked to identify abnormalities on them, prior to reviewing hard copies and amending their answers accordingly. They were also asked to describe a suitable management plan for each wound.

Results

Clinicians examining camera phone images correctly identified 77% of abnormalities on chest radiographs, 38% on abdominal radiographs, and 59% on ECGs. Diagnostic sensitivity increased to 96% for abnormalities on chest X-rays, 56% on abdominal radiographs, and 76% on ECGs when original hard copies were examined. Eighty-five per cent of management plans based on the photograph of a wound were correct.

Conclusions

This study suggests that mobile camera phones are appropriate teleconsultation devices when considering the management of wounds, but are less convincing remote assessors of both ECGs and plain films.

Keywords:

• Telecommunication
• Teleconsultation
• Camera phones
• General surgery

Additional information

Notes on contributors

H D I De'Ath

H D I De'Ath is a general surgical trainee with an interest in trauma and vascular surgery. He is currently based in London studying for a PhD looking at cardiac outcomes after serious injury.

M J Stechman

M J Stechman is a senior endocrine surgeon in the Department of Surgery at John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.

P Gibson

P Gibson is a consultant interventional radiologist in the Department of Radiology at Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, Middlesex.

C Bicknell

C Bicknell is a consultant vascular surgeon in the Department of Surgery at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London.