Modelling the Application of Telemedicine in Emergency Care

Abstract

Emergency services are under pressure worldwide. Ambulance services in Victoria in Australia are particularly overloaded and the quality of service is suffering in comparison to other health services in Australia. An abundance of articles addresses this issue both in academic and industry outlets, and the proposed solutions usually advise upgrades and better use of available resources. We believe that telemedicine could be part of the solution. Patients can be quickly assessed and monitored by advanced medical sensors, connected by straightforward means including a direct video link, to the hospital. Pre-assessment of conditions can be sent ahead to the emergency department, where specialists and physicians can select priorities and prepare for urgent interventions. An increasing number of patients with mental health, drug or alcohol-related issues can be transported elsewhere, thus reducing the load of emergency departments. We have methodically analysed Victorian ambulance statistics and we have identified appropriate telemedical technologies to be used in appropriate settings. We applied telemedical technology models in our work, to demonstrate the potential improvements in outcomes, including patient lives saved.