Validation of Videoconference With Smartphones in Telemedicine Facial Trauma Care

Abstract

The proposed model to facial assessment trauma by videoconference via smartphones is feasible, showing high concordance level with face-to-face assessment.

Inter-facility transfer of patients with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage and GCS 14–15: The pilot study of a screening protocol by neurosurgeon to avoid unnecessary transfers

“…Using this platform, forty-four percent of transfer requests were avoided [10] . Similar results report on telemedicine consultation for patients with facial, hand, ophthalmic, and burn injuries [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] . We think taken together, a structured plan is feasible and potentially helpful in managing those with mild-TBI and avoiding low value transfer.…”

A Review of Telemedicine Applications in Otorhinolaryngology: Considerations During the Coronavirus Disease of 2019 Pandemic

“…Fonseca et al reported high concordance between in-person evaluations of facial trauma patients and evaluations carried out through smartphone videoconferencing with review of CT imaging. 62 A remote approach for triage can avoid unnecessary transfers for patients that do not require urgent intervention, and possibly reduce length of hospitalization.…”

Navigating telemedicine for facial trauma during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…A prospective study by Fonseca et al 26 compared the independent evaluation of patients with traumatic facial injuries in the ED by an in‐person surgery team vs a remote telemedicine team using videoconferencing by smartphone and tablet (n = 50). There was substantial concordance of physical exam findings ( κ = 0.720), and almost perfect concordance of facial CT scan findings ( κ = 0.899) and treatment recommendations ( κ = 0.891) as assessed by a standardized questionnaire.…”

“…There was substantial concordance of physical exam findings ( κ = 0.720), and almost perfect concordance of facial CT scan findings ( κ = 0.899) and treatment recommendations ( κ = 0.891) as assessed by a standardized questionnaire. Telemedicine was shown to be feasible and accurate in the evaluation of facial trauma, with the potential to optimize triage, length of stay, transfers, and patient cost in part by extending the possible area covered by a single surgeon compared to face‐to‐face evaluations 26 …”