The feasibility of telemedicine in pediatric cardiology

Abstract

Telemedicine is the delivery of health-related services and information via telecommunications technologies.1,2 The two primary modes of telemedicine practice are “store and forward” and “realtime” videoconferencing.3,4 In store-and-forward, tele health digital images, video, and audio recordings are captured and “stored” on the client computer or mobile device. At a later time, “stored” data is transmitted securely (“forwarded”) and studied by relevant specialists who then responds with their opinion and recommendations.1,4 Prior studies have demonstrated how this method increases patient access to tertiary care centers by overcoming geographical barriers.5 There are currently several applications of telemedicine within the field of pediatric cardiology focused on discriminating between pathologic and benign murmurs and arrhythmias in children.6,7 Studies have estimated that 80% of children will develop a murmur in their lifetime and less than 1% of these murmurs being pathologic.8 Several electronic stethoscopes can accurately detect the difference between a benign and pathologic murmur with great sensitivity and specificity (95%, 96%, respectively), but the feasibility of it in practice remains in question.8,9 However, it is unknown if general practitioners would be willing to use this new form of communication. In this feasibility study, we investigate the agreeability of general practitioners to use the technology as well as its convenience for the general practitioners.