A tele-ultrasound needs analysis in Queensland

Abstract

A tele-ultrasound survey was distributed to clinicians and sonographers in regional and rural sites throughout Queensland. In all, 28 centres were invited to complete a profile questionnaire, and 27 centres were invited to complete a case-log. Twenty-five of the 28 questionnaires were returned (89% response rate). Twenty-two of the 27 case-logs were returned (81 % response rate). Obstetric ultrasound was the most frequently performed ultrasound examination, accounting for 846 (35%) of the 2410 recorded during the two-week survey period. The respondents considered that 182 cases would have benefited from further consultation: 79% for diagnostic advice, 1 3% for patient management advice and 8% for advice on examination technique. Six hospitals appeared to have the greatest need for a tele-ultrasound service. There was a strong preference for the store-and-forward transmission of static images: 70% preferred this modality, in comparison with 19% who preferred realtime transmission and 11 % who preferred store-and-forward transmission of video clips.