Real-Time Remote Tele-Mentored Echocardiography: A Systematic Review.

Michael T. McCurdy,Rayan El Sibai,Diane Kuhn,Andrea R. Levine,Alexis Salerno

doi:10.3390/medicina56120668

Michael T. McCurdy, Rayan El Sibai + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina56120668

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Abstract

Background and Objectives: Real-time remote tele-mentored echocardiography (RTMUS echo) involves the transmission of clinical ultrasound (CU) cardiac images with direct feedback from a CU expert at a different location. In this review, we summarize the current uses of RTMUS to diagnose and manage cardiovascular dysfunction and discuss expanded and future uses. Materials and Methods: We performed a literature search (PubMed and EMBase) to access articles related to RTMUS echo. We reviewed articles for selection using Covidence, a web-based tool for managing systematic reviews and data were extracted using a separate standardized collection form. Results: Our search yielded 15 articles. Twelve of these articles demonstrated the feasibility of having a novice sonographer mentored by a tele-expert in obtaining a variety of cardiac ultrasound views. The articles discussed different technological specifications for the RTMUS system, but all showed that adequate images were able to be obtained. Overall, RTMUS echo was found to be a positive intervention that contributed to patient care. Conclusion: RTMUS echo allows for rapid access to diagnostic imaging in various clinical settings. RTMUS echo can help in assessing patients that may require a higher level of isolation precautions or in other resource-constrained environments. In the future, identifying the least expensive way to utilize RTMUS echo will be important.

Highlights

A significant portion of hospitalized patients present with hemodynamic instability [1]
The use of real-time, remote tele-mentored echocardiography, termed remote tele-mentored ultrasound echocardiography (RTMUS echo), can provide a useful tool in environments that are resource-constrained or subject to strict isolation precautions by utilizing off-site experts to enhance the clinical information obtained at bedside
We looked at the role of real-time remote-mentored teleultrasound (RTMUS) echo, which can be a powerful tool to identify cardiovascular dysfunction

Summary

Introduction

A significant portion of hospitalized patients present with hemodynamic instability [1]. The use of real-time, remote tele-mentored echocardiography, termed remote tele-mentored ultrasound echocardiography (RTMUS echo), can provide a useful tool in environments that are resource-constrained or subject to strict isolation precautions by utilizing off-site experts to enhance the clinical information obtained at bedside. One common way to implement RTMUS echo is through the use of an ultrasound expert at a remote location who provides real-time guidance to novice ultrasound personnel in order to obtain cardiac ultrasound images that can be interpreted to direct further clinical care [6]. Real-time remote tele-mentored echocardiography (RTMUS echo) involves the transmission of clinical ultrasound (CU) cardiac images with direct feedback from a CU expert at a different location. RTMUS echo can help in assessing patients that may require a higher level of isolation precautions or in other resource-constrained environments. In the future, identifying the least expensive way to utilize RTMUS echo will be important

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Results

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Conclusion