Provision of telehealth to the Scottish Police College.
A telemedicine service was established for the Scottish Police College with medical advice provided from the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Use of the service from November 2004 to February 2006 was audited. A total of 192 patients presented to the service during the 16-month study period. There were 97 teleconsultations. The remaining 95 patients (49%) were not seen by telemedicine due to technical problems. The complaints dealt with were 68% injuries and 32% minor illness (n = 97). The outcome of the teleconsultation was: advice alone 76%; referral to a general practitioner 10%; and A&E referral 14% (n = 97). The treatment advised was: over-the-counter medicine 85%; prescription 5%; and nil 10% (n = 97). Even with a 24% connection rate, the service overall was perceived as beneficial and the Police College wished to continue to use the service, if the technology difficulties could be resolved.
Webster
Karyn
K
Department of Emergency Medicine, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK. karyn.webster@nhs.net
Fraser
Susan
S
Mair
Fiona
F
Ferguson
James
J
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003195:Computer Communication Networks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016495:Police; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012574:Schools; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*