A review of three years experience using email and videoconferencing for the delivery of post-acute burns care to children in Queensland

Burns. 2004 May;30(3):248-52. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2003.11.003.

Abstract

A virtual outpatient service has been established in Queensland for the delivery of post-acute burns care to children living in rural and remote areas of the state. The integration of telepaediatrics as a routine service has reduced the need for patient travel to the specialist burns unit situated in Brisbane. We have conducted 293 patient consultations over a period of 3 years. A retrospective review of our experience has shown that post-acute burns care can be delivered using videoconferencing, email and the telephone. Telepaediatric burns services have been valuable in two key areas. The first area involves a programme of routine specialist clinics via videoconference. The second area relates to ad-hoc patient consultations for collaborative management during acute presentations and at times of urgent clinical need. The families of patients have expressed a high degree of satisfaction with the service. Telepaediatric services have helped improve access to specialist services for people living in rural and remote communities throughout Queensland.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Care / organization & administration*
  • Burns / therapy*
  • Child
  • Delivery of Health Care / organization & administration
  • Electronic Mail*
  • Humans
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Queensland
  • Remote Consultation / organization & administration*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Rural Health Services / supply & distribution*