Emergency eye care in rural Australia: role of internet.
Authors:
Kumar, S.1 sajeesh@cyllene.uwa.edu.au
Yogesan, K.1
Hudson, B.2
Tay-Kearney, M.-L.1
Constable, I. J.1
Source:
Eye. Dec2006, Vol. 20 Issue 12, p1342-1344. 3p. 3 Charts.
Document Type:
Article
Subject Terms:
*EYEcare
*EYE diseases
*OPHTHALMOLOGY
*VISION disorders
*SENSORY disorders
Geographic Terms:
AUSTRALIA
Author-Supplied Keywords:
eyecare
Healthcare evaluation
telemedicine
Abstract:
Purpose Significant differences exist in the utilization of emergency eye care services in rural and urban Australia. Meanwhile, influence of internet-based technology in emergency eye care service utilization has not been established. This study aims to demonstrate, from a health provider perspective, an internet-based service’s impact on emergency eye care in rural Australia.
Methods The teleophthalmology service was initiated in the Carnarvon Regional Hospital (CRH) of the Gascoyne region in Western Australia. A digital, slit lamp and fundus camera were used for the service. Economic data was gathered from the Department of Health of Western Australia (DOHWA), the CRH and the Lions Eye Institute.
Results During the study period (January–December, 2003) 118 persons took part in teleophthalmology consultations. Emergency cases constituted 3% of these consultations. Previous year, there were seven eye-related emergency evacuations (inter-hospital air transfers) from the Gascoyne region to City of Perth.
Conclusions Analysis demonstrates implementation of internet-based health services has a marked impact on rural emergency eye care delivery. Internet is well suited to ophthalmology for the diagnosis and management of acute conditions in remote areas. Integration of such services to mainstream health care is recommended. Eye (2006) 20, 1342–1344. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6702104; published online 23 September 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Author Affiliations:
1Centre of Excellence in e-Medicine, Lions Eye Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
2Carnarvon Regional Hospital, Gascoyne Region, Western Australia, Australia
ISSN:
0950-222X
DOI:
10.1038/sj.eye.6702104
Accession Number:
23421391
Database:
Academic Search Complete
Publisher Logo:
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