Geriatric ward rounds by video conference: a solution for rural hospitals.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the acceptance and cost of a ward-based geriatric consultation service delivered via a mobile videoconferencing system.


METHODS
Prospective observational study conducted in the geriatric unit of Toowoomba Base Hospital, Queensland, comparing a specialist consultation service delivered by videoconference (VC) with a "traditional" in-person service. The VC system was established in January 2007 and evaluated over an 18-month period. Patient satisfaction with the service was assessed by questionnaire during a 1-week period in September 2008.


METHODS
Hospital acceptance of the service; patient satisfaction with the service; comparative cost of providing in-person and VC-mediated consultations.


RESULTS
Uptake of the service increased progressively throughout the study period. Patient acceptance levels were high. The cost of video consultations for a 12-patient ward round and case conference was less than the cost of in-person consultations if the total road distance travelled by the specialist (Brisbane to Toowoomba and back) was 125 km or longer.


CONCLUSIONS
Consultations via VC are an acceptable alternative to in-person consultations, and are less expensive than in-person consultations for even modest distances travelled by the clinician.
Gray
Leonard C
LC
University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia. len.gray@uq.edu.au
Wright
Olivia R
OR
Cutler
Alison J
AJ
Scuffham
Paul A
PA
Wootton
Richard
R
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000191:economics; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000191:economics*; D006780:Hospitals, Rural; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011793:Queensland; D019114:Remote Consultation / Q000191:economics*; D056164:Teaching Rounds / Q000191:economics*; D049269:Videoconferencing / Q000191:economics