Acute-Phase Trauma Intervention Using A Videoconference Link Circumvents Compromised Access to Expert Trauma Care

Abstract

In order to effectively reduce the risk of developing acute stress disorder (ASD) and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the aftermath of traumatic stress exposure, interventions must be offered early on. Therefore, access to expert assistance can have significant effects on prognosis. Conditions which compromise accessibility and prevent direct physical access, such as existed in the Gush Katif settlements in the Gaza Strip during the El-Aqsa Intifada, render the provision of expert care in real-time difficult. These problematic conditions led to an attempt to offer acute trauma care using videoconference (VC) telemedicine. This paper presents two cases in which a VC link was used to provide specialist care in cases of acute sequelae of trauma rapidly and in a safe and accessible environment. The authors discuss the potential benefits and some limitations of early trauma interventions using a VC link to access civilian population whose access to care is compromised by prevailing conditions.