Teleultrasound & teleechography

feasibility analysis of transmission for smartphones and tablets of tests performed in sector of emergency in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the results obtained from the use of Teleultrasound & Teleechography regarding the quality of the images obtained by smartphones and tablets of ultrasound examinations performed in the emergency room exclusive service and evaluate this quality for establishing diagnosis and guidance for doctors in training. Methods: Prospective study of 60 ultrasound examinations of patients seen at Urgency Core Improvement and Training in Diagnostic Imaging at the Institute of Diagnostic Imaging of Ribeirão Preto - São Paulo, Brazil, in the period between January 2014 and May 2014. For real time transmission was used a Brickcom OB-500Af platform coupled to video encoder Brickcom WVS-01Ap and the images were transmitted to a mobile phone system in the same city where an experienced sonographer saved images, analyzed the cases and transmitted to the guidance sonographers forming, when necessary. Results: The images received on smartphones and tablets had good quality for interpretation and diagnosis formulation. Conclusion: Teleultrasound & Teleechography with local broadcast in real time to mobile smartphones and tablets (Ipad and Iphone) using a low-cost platform and 3G internet and WI-FI band, is a viable tool for transmission, allowing the analysis of the cases with diagnostic purposes as well as the guidance of doctors in training in the emergency sector.