Journal of Digital Imaging

, Volume 17, Issue 4, pp 253–257 | Cite as

Internet Consultations from a Remote Pacific Island: Impact of Digitized Radiologic Images on Referral Decisions

  • Jinha M. Park
  • Lynne Ruess
  • Stephen C. O’Connor
  • Faheem Hussain
  • David Y. Oshiro
  • Donald A. Person
Article
First Online:

Abstract

A study was carried out to determine whether digitized radiologic images added valuable information to Internet consultations from a remote Pacific Island. Chuuk State Hospital (Federated States of Micronesia) has limited film screen radiology, minimal ultrasound capability, and no radiologist. Providers initiate Web-based referrals for consultation or patient transfer. Digitized images (via low-cost digital camera or flatbed scanner) were uploaded to a Web site. Images were assessed for impact on referral decisions. A radiologist scored image quality and confidence (scale: 1–7). Of 97 referrals with images that were reviewed, 74 (76%) image sets were abnormal, 20 (20%) were normal, and 3 (4%) were indeterminate. Median scores were 4 for image quality and 5 for diagnostic confidence. In most cases with abnormal radiology (52/74, 70%), images were considered valuable. Radiologic images digitized with a low-cost camera or flatbed scanner provided valuable information for decision making in an Internet-based consultation and referral process from a remote, impoverished Pacific Island jurisdiction, despite relatively low image quality.

Keywords

Telemedicine teleradiology internet communications PACS image capture. 
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References

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Copyright information

© SCAR (Society for Computer Applications in Radiology) 2004

Authors and Affiliations

  • Jinha M. Park
    • 1
    • 7
  • Lynne Ruess
    • 1
    • 4
    • 5
    • 6
  • Stephen C. O’Connor
    • 1
    • 9
  • Faheem Hussain
    • 1
    • 8
  • David Y. Oshiro
    • 2
  • Donald A. Person
    • 3
    • 5
  1. 1.Department of RadiologyTripler Army Medical CenterHonoluluHawaii
  2. 2.Information Management DivisionTripler Army Medical CenterHonoluluHawaii
  3. 3.Departments of Clinical Investigation and PediatricsTripler Army Medical CenterHonoluluHawaii
  4. 4.Department of Radiology and Radiological SciencesUniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMaryland
  5. 5.Department of PediatricsUniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMaryland
  6. 6.Department of RadiologyTripler Army Medical CenterHonoluluHawaii 96859
  7. 7.Present address: Department of RadiologyUCLA Medical CenterLos Angeles
  8. 8.Present address:Department of Radiology, Bldg 4-2817Womack Army Med CenterFt. BraggUSA
  9. 9.Present address: Department of RadiologyBaystate Medical CenterSpringfieldUSA

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