Importance of the telemedicine network for neurosurgery in Slovenia

Abstract

The number of invasive procedures in medicine is increasing, as is the employment of new technological achievements. In the era of information-communication technology, one such achievement is also the telemedicine network. In Slovenia, it is known as the Telekap (TeleStroke) network, which was primarily designed for fast and efficient management of stroke patients. In the neurosurgical community, the system is frequently used also for conveying vital information regarding subarachnoid haemorrhage and trauma. Especially in neurosurgical emergencies, this communication system offers thorough information about the extent and location of bleeding and facilitates the preoperative planning of neurosurgical interventions. From our experience so far, the system should be expanded to other neuro-centres as well to all neurosurgery departments in order to facilitate patient management, their acute hospital care, and inter-speciality collaboration.

Out-Patient Neurosurgery Telemedicine Clinics: A Model to Provide Healthcare And Prevent Cross-Infection

“…Therefore, there is need to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic and at same time provide the needed neurosurgical care to our patients. Virtual clinic provides the opportunity for patients and physicians to meet without spreading the virus [8,9]. Telemedicine can be used to identify neurosurgical patients with symptoms of COVID-19 infection and appropriate referral to infectious disease hospital thereby preventing healthcare providers from getting infected.…”

Editorial. The role of telemedicine in countries with limited facilities: which peculiarities?

“…3 In small countries, such as Slovenia and Albania, a nationwide telemedicine system was established to avoid unnecessary transfers to neurosurgical units. 4,5 Telemedicine was also commonly used for outpatient visits. Most published papers were affiliated with Western institutions, 6 but in 2016 there was a large positive experience in India about telemedicine-based postoperative outpatient care.…”