Telemedicine in emergency care: methodological and practical considerations

González Armengol JJ, Carricondo F, Mingorance C, Gil-Loyzaga P

Telemedicine has today been incorporated into routine practice in many medical

specialties. Advances in new information and communication technologies, along with

the greater accessibility of these technologies and improvements in the connectivity of

medical equipment, now facilitate the care of patients who have difficulties visiting a

hospital or clinic. One of the most important applications of telemedicine is its use in

emergency care. The experience gained in other medical specialties has greatly increased

the range of emergency medical care situations in which telemedicine can be used both

inside the hospital and in remote locations. Moreover, the particular characteristics of

emergency medical care, such as the need for speed and a reliable diagnosis, mean that

there is ever growing demand for more and better equipment and solutions. Increased

communication between emergency professionals and other specialist clinicians could

facilitate improved diagnosis and a consequent reduction in morbidity and mortality

among patients attending emergency departments. The aim of this paper is to review

the potential applications of telemedicine in emergency care and the necessary

technological infrastructure.

Carricondo F, Gil-Loyzaga P, González Armengol JJ, Mingorance C