Teleteaching endoscopy: the feasibility of real-time, uncompressed video transmission by using advanced-network technologies.
BACKGROUND
Teleteaching of endoscopy has been limited by the exorbitant cost and time inherent in high-quality digital endoscopy video transmission. The Digital Video Transport System (DVTS) transmitted over advanced networks, such as Internet2 and the Asia-Pacific Advanced Network (APAN), provides a unique infrastructure for sharing uncompressed digital videos of endoscopy. This may allow high-quality, real-time, international training of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy techniques at a low cost.


OBJECTIVE
To test the proof of concept of long-distance teaching through live, interactive, high-resolution video transmission by using advanced networks and the DVTS. We used teleteaching of image-enhanced endoscopy techniques as a model.


METHODS
Prospective multicenter pilot study.


METHODS
Trainees, faculty, and staff at 3 international endoscopy units.


METHODS
An image-enhanced endoscopy video lecture with advanced-network technologies.


METHODS
We compared image-based prelecture and postlecture test scores and secondarily assessed technical feasibility and quality.


RESULTS
The DVTS transmitted over advanced networks successfully transmitted uncompressed, high-resolution, digital lectures with endoscopic video (digital video format 720 x 480 pixels). Postsession scores improved. Participants highly rated the technical and informational quality. The majority reported a definite interest in participating in future sessions, with a mean rating (out of 5 [scale 1-5]) of 4.7 +/- 0.5.


CONCLUSIONS
Pilot study with a limited number of participants and sessions.


CONCLUSIONS
The DVTS transmitted over advanced networks such as Internet2 and APAN can provide the infrastructure for transmission of high-resolution, uncompressed video endoscopy for the purpose of teleteaching endoscopy.
Kaltenbach
Tonya
T
Division of Gastroenterology, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System and Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA.
Muto
Manabu
M
Soetikno
Roy
R
Dev
Parvati
P
Okamura
Koji
K
Hahm
Joonsoo
J
Shimizu
Shuji
S
D019058:Community Networks / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018961:Educational Technology; D004581:Electronics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000193:education*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007564:Japan; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D056910:Republic of Korea; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods*; D014481:United States; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D014741:Video Recording / Q000295:instrumentation*