Distributed clinical neurophysiology.
We have developed a consultation forum for clinical neurophysiology in Finland. The system connects local digital electroencephalography (EEG) recording and analysing networks using a high-speed asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network. Clinicians can obtain a second opinion using interactive data and video consultations or using data-only consultations. In addition, the system can be used for off-line review of pre-recorded data. During a one-month evaluation, 66 EEG recordings were made altogether in Satakunta Central Hospital and consultations were required on 12 occasions. Nine of them were data-only consultations and three were data and video consultations. A data consultation lasted 15-20 min and a data and video consultation 35-45 min. Clinically, there were numerous benefits for the hospitals. The system established a link to a centre of excellence for second opinions or continuing education. It also helped with on-duty arrangements and enabled the construction of national data banks.
Loula
P
P
Tampere University of Technology, Pori, Finland. loula@pori.tut.fi
Rauhala
E
E
Erkinjuntti
M
M
Räty
E
E
Hirvonen
K
K
Häkkinen
V
V
D004569:Electroencephalography; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D009482:Neurophysiology / Q000379:methods*; D019114:Remote Consultation; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D013685:Telecommunications; D013686:Telemetry