Preliminary findings from a teleultrasound study in Alberta

Background and Objectives: Ultrasound practice in Alberta requires direct s upervision by an ultrasound-accredited specialist physician (sonologist). T his requirement limits access to ultrasound examinations in many rural comm unities. A prospective study was performed to evaluate the adequacy of tele ultrasound service in High Level, Alberta, with remote sonologist supervisi on from Edmonton, Alberta. Methods: A total of 146 patients were evaluated in two groups. Group A (72 patients) was evaluated by both an on-site radiologist in High Level and a remote supervising radiologist in Edmonton. Group B (74 patients) was evalu ated only by the remote supervising radiologist in Edmonton. The teleultras ound service included digital store-and-forward capabilities using a commer cially available teleradiology system, with videoconferencing review for re altime scanning. Results: The teleultrasound service was helpful to the referring physician. It made transfer unnecessary in 42% of patients, and the results of the ul trasound assessment influenced management in 59% of patients. The sonograph er on site and the remote radiologists agreed on the quality of the images. The information required for diagnosis was available from the sonographer' s study in the majority of cases, with second-look scanning by the on-site radiologist or videoconferencing by the remote radiologist providing a majo r new diagnosis in only 1% of patients. Conclusion: Teleultrasound service to High Level could be provided reliably with remote supervision, comparable to direct on-site supervision.