Haukipuro K et al. 2000 "The feasibility of telemedicine for orthopaedic outpatient clinics: a randomized controlled trial."

Reference
Haukipuro K, Ohinmaa A, Winblad I, et al. The feasibility of telemedicine for orthopaedic outpatient clinics: a randomized controlled trial. J Telemed Telecare 2000;6(4):193.
Abstract
"We investigated the use of videoconferencing in the examination of orthopaedic outpatients. A consecutive sample of orthopaedic outpatients was randomized to examination either via videoconferencing (n = 76) while attending a primary-care unit or at a conventional hospital outpatient clinic 160 km away (n = 69). Videoconferencing was found to be feasible and the equipment functioned well technically. There were somewhat more problems in examining the telemedicine patients than the clinic patients. The two patient groups were equally satisfied with the specialist service. The telemedicine patients were more willing to have their next visit by videoconferencing than the conventional patients. Videoconferencing between primary and secondary care can be used in the examination of orthopaedic patients whenever no demanding imaging technology is needed."
Objective

"To investigate the use of videoconferencing in the examination of orthopaedic outpatients."

Tools Used
Type Clinic
Specialty care
Type Specific
Orthopedic surgery
Size
Small, medium and large
Geography
Urban and rural
Other Information
Participating patients were living in a rural area, while the hospital was urban.
Type of Health IT
Telemedicine
Workflow-Related Findings
"The specialists engaged in videoconferencing assessed the communication between the patient and the doctor to be significantly worse than did either GPs engaged in videoconferencing or the specialists conducting conventional examinations." Specialists judged their success in obtaining patient history and clinical status as less good in teleconsultations.
The patient spent one hour at the primary care center and 2.5 hours at the outpatient hospital clinic. The average distance traveled to the primary care center was 8 km and and 170 km to the hospital. The average time from leaving home to returning was 1.5 hours for the telemedicine group and eight hours for the conventional group.
Study Design
Randomized controlled trial (RCT)
Study Participants
A consecutive sample of orthopaedic outpatients was randomized to examination either via videoconferencing (n = 76) at their primary care center or at a conventional hospital outpatient clinic 160 km away (n = 69).