title: Telemedicine in neonatology: lessons from North Queensland.
abstract: Using videoconferencing technology, educational programs in neonatology were provided for staff at rural hospitals. The technology was also used to reunite babies with their families and its usefulness in long-distance diagnosis was assessed. Eighty-two educational sessions were delivered over a 9 month period and, despite problems with technology, operation and presentation, were considered worthwhile by the audiences. Family reunions were very successful. Neonatal diagnosis was impossible at the narrow bandwidth used (128 kilobits/s). Valuable lessons were learned regarding optimum use of this medium.
authors.affiliation: Kirwan Hospital for Women, Townsville, Queensland, Australia. whitehaj@health.qld.gov.au
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Whitehall
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Blignault
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: French
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Carson
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Patole
mesh_terms: D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009359:Neonatology / Q000193:education*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011793:Queensland; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014743:Videotape Recording