CAN X-RAYS BE ACCURATELY INTERPRETED USING A LOW-COST TELEMEDICINE SYSTEM

Objective-To assess whether the quality of x ray films transmitted via a low cost (low resolution) telemedicine link was satisfactory for cl inical diagnosis. Methods-A retrospective study of a set of consecutiv e accident and emergency (A&E) radiographs. An A&E registrar viewed th ese directly on a standard x ray viewing box and via a telemedicine li nk. Results-There were 81 abnormalities out of 234 x ray films. Three abnormalities were missed both on the x ray viewing box and telemedici ne link, one of which was significant. There were five additional abno rmalities missed on the telemedicine link but detected on the x ray vi ewing box, of which two were significant. One normal x ray film was in terpreted as abnormal on the telemedicine link. There were no false po sitives on direct viewing. Conclusion-Transference of plain radiograph s using a low cost/low resolution telemedicine link by A&E doctors is adequate for clinical interpretation.