Real-time radiologist review of remote ultrasound using low-cost video and voice.
OBJECTIVE
A radiologist practicing remote ultrasound occasionally needs to review a case in real time before releasing the patient. The authors conducted a pilot study to evaluate one solution in which the radiologist views real-time images on a video monitor while conversing with the technologist via a headset telephone.


METHODS
Two experienced ultrasonographers and five technologies participated in a 5-week pilot study in adjacent rooms.


RESULTS
Subjective assessment indicated that the system could function well enough for use at a remote site.


CONCLUSIONS
Although this technology appears effective, an ongoing training environment is recommended.
Beard
D V
DV
Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill.
Hemminger
B M
BM
Keefe
B
B
Mittelstaedt
C
C
Pisano
E D
ED
Lee
J K
JK
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D009657:North Carolina; D009862:Online Systems; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011873:Radiology Information Systems; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends; D013689:Telephone / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation; D013690:Television / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014741:Video Recording / Q000191:economics; D014831:Voice