REAL-TIME RADIOLOGIST REVIEW OF REMOTE ULTRASOUND USING LOW-COST VIDEO AND VOICE

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES. A radiologist practicing remote ultrasound occasionally needs to review a case in real time before releasing the patient. The authors conducted a pilot study to evaluate one solution in which the radiologist views real-time images on a video monitor while conversing with the technologist via a headset telephone. METHODS. Two experienced ultrasonographers and rive technologists participated in a 5-week pilot study in adjacent rooms. RESULTS. Subjective assessment indicated that the system could function well enough for use at a remote site. CONCLUSIONS. Although this technology appears effective, an ongoing training environment is recommended.