Abstract
Telemedicine based on video conferencing or internet messaging has previously been used as a tool to improve medical care in developing countries. We report about a hybrid approach to clinical teleconferencing based on a combination of different communication media. Pathologists, surgeons and oncologists from the Children's Surgical Centre in Phnom Penh (CSC) and the Phnom Penh Institute of Pathology hold video conferences (Skype) with pathologists in Germany. Additional experts (radiologist, oncologist or surgical experts) are able to comment via internet platform (IPATH) or are contacted via email regarding specific questions. The conference is held monthly, with number of cases varying between 4 and 8. The patients are selected by the CSC in Phnom Penh and clinical, radiological and pathological information put online on IPATH one week before the conference. During the conference the participants decide on treatment options or additional diagnostic procedures. Despite some technical issues this mode of communication provides clear benefits by making it possible to solve problems such as recurring discrepancies between clinical, radiological and pathological findings either immediately or by contacting additional experts. We conclude that the combination of videoconsultation and tele-pathology via IPATH benefited medical care and outcome in the CSC.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
