Abstract
Background Range of motion (ROM) is a critical component of a physician’s evaluation for many consultations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if teleconference goniometry could be as accurate as clinical goniometry.Methods Forty-eight volunteers participated in the study. There was a sample size of 52 elbows. Each measurement was recorded consecutively in person, through teleconference, and still-shot photography by two researchers trained in goniometry. Measurements of maximum elbow flexion and extension were taken and recorded.Results Teleconference goniometry had a high agreement with clinical goniometry (Pearson coefficient: flexion: 0.93, Extension: 0.87). Limits of agreement found from the Bland-Altman test were 7⁰ and -3⁰ for flexion and 10.4⁰ and -7.4⁰ for extension. A t-test revealed a P-value of less than 0.001 between teleconference and clinical measurements, proving the data are significant.ConclusionsROM measurements through a teleconferencing medium are comparable to clinical ROM measurements. This would allow for interactive elbow ROM assessment with the orthopedist without having to incorporate travel time and expenses.
Highlights
The increasing cost of healthcare can lead to a gap in a patient’s ability to access proper care
Teleconference goniometry had a high agreement with clinical goniometry (Pearson coefficient: flexion: 0.93, Extension: 0.87)
Limits of agreement found from the Bland-Altman test were 70 and -30 for flexion and 10.40 and -7.40 for extension
Summary
The increasing cost of healthcare can lead to a gap in a patient’s ability to access proper care. To account for this crisis, hospitals in Europe and Australia have experimented with telemedicine [1,2,3,4]. Telemedicine is a cost-effective way to consult with patients from their own home, eliminating travel expenses and time while providing care [2]. Using Telemedicine to determine ROM has peaked the interests of many physicians [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. ROM goniometry is a vital component of an orthopedic surgeon’s examination. Range of motion (ROM) is a critical component of a physician’s evaluation for many consultations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if teleconference goniometry could be as accurate as clinical goniometry
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