摘要

ObjectivesTo evaluate the use of smartphone and tablet technology (smart technology or ST) in remote consultation for pediatric and congenital cardiac catheterization. DesignTwo online surveys, to early-career (Mentees) and senior (Mentors) pediatric interventional cardiologists, designed to assess the current use and attitudes toward ST for remote consultation. In addition, the current literature is reviewed for use of remote consultations and potential legal and patient privacy concerns. ResultsForty-six (40%) Mentees and 19 (48%) Mentors responded. 74% of Mentees report using ST for remote consultation, 26% for nearly every case, with 45% of communication occurring during a procedure. Over one-third of Mentees report they have performed an intervention for the first time based on ST consultation. Of Mentors that reported receiving ST consultation, 58% were comfortable providing advice via this method, but 42% felt that the imaging sent was inadequate to provide appropriate advice for at least one case. Both groups felt the speed of consultation was much faster using ST. Privacy measures were reportedly used in up to 85% of consultations, while only 12% of respondents obtained informed consent for the consultation. The most common barrier identified by Mentees for use of ST for consultations was patient privacy concerns. ConclusionsST use is prevalent among early-career pediatric and congenital interventional cardiologists for consultation regarding catheterization procedures. There are many technologic, legal, and patient privacy concerns that will need to be addressed as the use of ST for remote consultation grows.

  • 出版日期2015-12