The 'Malone Group' meeting, October 1998

The diverse experiences and activities of seven UK units participating in telemedicine with minor injuries units is described. Not unexpectedly, 'growing pains' were experienced and pitfalls in implementation were identified. Difficulties in consensus emerged regarding the minimum equipment required and the most appropriate cases for teleconsultation, but there was general agreement on the need for clear protocols. Decreased utilization of telemedicine links over time proved to be a common trend; it was felt that this resulted from increasing staff experience and confidence at the peripheral sites. Overall, the telemedicine connection was considered successful. It promoted a close working relationship and supervision between units which were linked, although long-distance connection to 'anonymous' experts worked less well. With time, certain clinical permutations emerged that were less appropriate for a telemedicine link, such as deep hand and wrist injuries. Radiological interpretation comprised a large proportion of all teleconsultations.