The acceptability of telemedicine for podiatric intervention in a residential home for the elderly.

Abstract

We investigated the use of telemedicine in the diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders. In an eight-month study, 49 residents of a local 200-bed home for the elderly, who had a potential or active foot problem, were examined via videoconferencing. They were subsequently examined on site. Their mean age was 86 years (range 67-100 years). There were 49 consultations for new cases and 50 follow-up consultations; therefore 99 teleconsultations and 99 on-site consultations were carried out. After 15% of the teleconsultations, an on-site visit was still required for full assessment of the case, as a diagnosis could not be determined. In 6% of teleconsultations there was difficulty in determining an accurate management plan. Telepodiatry was found to be satisfactory in the remaining 79% of cases and 87% of clients preferred teleconsultation to being transported to the hospital clinic. Telemedicine was found to be an acceptable method of providing some aspects of podiatry care to clients living in a residential home for the elderly. It was an excellent triage mechanism, and facilitated earlier identification of and intervention for urgent problems.