Efficiency analysis of a multi-specialty telemedicine service.

Objective: The goal of this project was to assess case turn-around times for store-and-forward and real-time video consultations in the Arizona Telemedicine Program.

Materials and methods: Five components contributing to total case turn-around time were analyzed. Each parameter was submitted to statistical analysis and compared for store-and-forward and real-time sessions.

Results: Turn-around for real-time are longer than for store-and-forward sessions. Real-time sessions take longer, from when the consulting clinician is contacted to the time the case is reviewed. This is compounded by the fact that real-time sessions sometimes need to be rescheduled. For both types of consults, the time to deliver the final report is the longest segment of the total turn-around time.

Conclusion: Several factors contribute to case turn-around times. By identifying and analyzing each contributing factor, it is possible to revise consult protocols to improve efficiency.