Clinical Study
Eye (2006) 20, 1342–1344. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6702104; published online 23 September 2005
Emergency eye care in rural Australia: role of internet
Conflict of interest statement: None
S Kumar1, K Yogesan1, B Hudson2, M-L Tay-Kearney1 and I J Constable1
- 1Centre of Excellence in e-Medicine, Lions Eye Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- 2Carnarvon Regional Hospital, Gascoyne Region, Western Australia, Australia
Correspondence: S Kumar, Centre of Excellence in e-Medicine, Lions Eye Institute, University of Western Australia, 2 Verdun Street, Nedlands, 6009 WA, Western Australia, Australia. Tel: +61 8 9381 0760; Fax: +61 8 9381 0700; E-Mail: sajeesh@ cyllene.uwa.edu.au
Received 22 June 2005; Accepted 4 August 2005; Published online 23 September 2005.
Abstract
Purpose
Significant differences exist in the utilization of emergency eye care services in rural and urban Australia. Meanwhile, influence of internet-based technology in emergency eye care service utilization has not been established. This study aims to demonstrate, from a health provider perspective, an internet-based service's impact on emergency eye care in rural Australia.
Methods
The teleophthalmology service was initiated in the Carnarvon Regional Hospital (CRH) of the Gascoyne region in Western Australia. A digital, slit lamp and fundus camera were used for the service. Economic data was gathered from the Department of Health of Western Australia (DOHWA), the CRH and the Lions Eye Institute.
Results
During the study period (January–December, 2003) 118 persons took part in teleophthalmology consultations. Emergency cases constituted 3% of these consultations. Previous year, there were seven eye-related emergency evacuations (inter-hospital air transfers) from the Gascoyne region to City of Perth.
Conclusions
Analysis demonstrates implementation of internet-based health services has a marked impact on rural emergency eye care delivery. Internet is well suited to ophthalmology for the diagnosis and management of acute conditions in remote areas. Integration of such services to mainstream health care is recommended.
Keywords:
Healthcare evaluation, eye care, telemedicine
