In a concept evaluation by Xiong et al14 a general model was presented
for the application of a telemedicine solution to be utilised during a disaster
or multi casualty situation that would enable medical and out of hospital
staff to consult with remote medical personal. The main aim of this study
was to analyse the model of providing support via telemedicine technology
from a pool of remote medical specialists to the often limited number of
medical personal responding to such a situation.
Their study showed a reduction in the mortality rate of patients as a result
of enhanced triage at the local scene which reduced the number of
patients transported to medical facility. This in-turn reduced waiting times
and bottle necking at the medical facilities, and increased the ability of
critically injured patients to be attended to within shorter time-frames, thus
improving their outcomes. There was also discussion around the ability of
more accurately assessing patients injuries and therefore transporting
them directly to specific care medical facilities.
Other issues discussed were around the ability of providing the necessary
equipment to the scene and the damage often caused to local
communications infrastructure hindering the implementation of the
Telemedicine system.